Next Leicester City manager: Aston Villa hero in contention amid Enzo Maresca twist
Enzo Maresca no longer looks like a realistic candidate to take over at Leicester City, despite reports that suggested otherwise last week.
After rumours that decision-makers had approached him over a short-term deal, Maresca’s odds of returning to Leicester were slashed.
In the days since, however, reality has set in at the King Power Stadium, with better opportunities undoubtedly waiting for the Italian.
Maresca is reportedly among Man City’s choices to replace Pep Guardiola, if the Spaniard does decide to leave this summer.
And in a slightly more attractive proposal, Maresca has been named the favourite to take over at Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso having departed last month.
Dean Smith enters race for Leicester City job
It has been a trying start to the year for Leicester, who made the decision to sack Marti Cifuentes following defeat to Oxford United.
Considering the U’s position – 23rd in the Championship – the loss was particularly damning when it came at the King Power Stadium.
But there was a similar feeling around Leicester’s home when they were beaten 2-0 by Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
With an appointment not looking imminent, interim boss Andy King will lead his team in a difficult trip to Birmingham City on Saturday, where they risk extending their winless run to five games.
Things could change very quickly with the right appointment, however, and former manager Dean Smith has been mentioned in recent days.
The 54-year-old has already taken charge once at the King Power Stadium, for just eight games at the end of the 2022-23 Premier League season.
Smith’s appointment was a last-ditch push for safety, and he would guide his side to two wins and three draws during his tenure, but Leicester were ultimately relegated and he left.
The Englishman has been managing MLS side Charlotte FC since 2023, but one major bookmaker has slashed odds on him returning to Leicester to just 6/1.
What Leicester said following Smith departure
Smith was ultimately unfortunate not to have kept Leicester up during his brief stint, and could be proud of the fighting chance his appointment gave them.
The Foxes appreciated that, and chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha confirmed as much after his departure was confirmed.
“I’m enormously grateful to Dean who, together with Craig and John, agreed to take on a big challenge in those final eight games and gave everything to help us retain our Premier League status,” he said in a statement.
“Our quest was ultimately unsuccessful, but the confidence and fight demonstrated during the run-in were born of Dean’s qualities as a coach and a leader, and the work of his staff to help the squad move forward.
“I offer my thanks and very best wishes to Dean, to Craig and to John in their future pursuits and look forward to welcoming them back to King Power Stadium as guests and friends of the Club.”