The hierarchy at Leicester City has reportedly set its sights on Chris Coleman to stabilize the ship following the departure of former boss Marti Cifuentes. The board’s interest is rooted in a desire for experienced leadership combined with an existing familiarity; Coleman recently managed OH Leuven, Leicester’s sister club in Belgium, giving him a direct line of trust with the King Power ownership.
In addition to that intriguing but potentially misleading factor, central to this potential appointment is the mentorship of interim boss and club icon Andy King. The two share a storied history from the Welsh national team, most notably during the miraculous Euro 2016 campaign. The board is said to view Coleman as the ideal figure to guide King's transition into coaching; effectively creating a 'dream team' bridge between the dugout and the dressing room. Something that, of course, was regularly missing of late.
Why the Leicester City board apparently want Chris Coleman and why Foxes fans do not
Mirroring these internal justifications is the fact that the ex-Fulham gaffer has surged to the top of bookmakers' odds. He has leapfrogged other candidates like King himself (in some listings) to become the clear 2/1 favorite.
However, this shift in the market has done little to appease the Filbert Way faithful. Supporters have voiced significant pushback, as detailed beneath. Many label the purported move as uninspired or 'unacceptable' given Coleman’s recent mixed and often detrimental record in domestic management.
He’s well known to the Leicester ownership because they sacked him once already. Only Leicester eh. 😂
— P.S. (@syncronicity100) January 28, 2026
The Blue Army appear to favour a longer-term appointment or the continued autonomy of King himself, in spite the club legend not handling a fixture so far. They fear that Coleman's possible arrival could signal a backwards step for a club already grappling with mid-table obscurity, along with looming financial and points penalties.
"Chris Coleman has emerged as the bookmakers’ leading contender to be Leicester’s next permanent manager after Marti Cifuentes was sacked."Football Insider 24/7
Coleman's seemingly rigid, defensive tactics and perceived lack of ambition does clash with Leicester’s 'Fearless' identity. Although, that persona has long since evaporated.