Why Leicester City were right to sack Claudio Ranieri, even if it was harsh

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The defending champions almost certainly would have got relegated had they kept the popular Italian.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri

There’s simply no room for sentiment in football, as fans of Leicester City are finding out, following news that Premier League winning manager Claudio Ranieri has been sacked.

However, the outrage from the neutral masses that the fairy tale story got a nasty end is incredibly over the top. After all, it’s not their club staring Championship relegation in the face.

Take the name ‘Leicester City’ away for a moment. In late February, the defending champions haven’t won a league match since December, exited the FA Cup to a League One side, lost the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie having been outplayed, and are one point above the drop zone. What happens next?

If you think the answer is anything but ‘sack the manager’, you’re kidding yourself. With the financial fruit the Premier League offers, it’s a decision that simply had to be made.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri

Let’s be clear, no-one expected a second title. No-one even expected top four. However, in the summer, Leicester had the chance to establish themselves as a top half Premier League club, and blew it by spending appallingly. That’s on Ranieri.

Yes, the players have to take responsibility – they’ve let Ranieri down. Massively. However, you can’t just sack a whole team. It’s harsh, but Leicester had no choice.