Leicester City FC Sack Manager Nigel Pearson
Update: Leicester City have issued statement denying the sacking of Nigel Pearson.
Bottom of the table Leicester City FC have fired Nigel Pearson as manager. The news was first reported by Sky Sports. The English based sports network tweeted out the news of Pearson’s firing earlier today.
Sky Sources: @OfficialFOXES sack Nigel Pearson. #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/PTTtljne0G
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 8, 2015
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The news comes a day after a confrontation took place between Pearson and Crystal Palace’s James McCarthur. McCarthur came into contact with Pearson when the player slid off the pitch, knocking down the former manager.
Pearson reacted by placing his hands around McCarthur’s neck while both continued to lay on the ground. After the player returned to his feet, Pearson grabbed the Palace man’s uniform, not allowing him to return to the pitch.
An angry exchange of words took place before the referee finally defused the situation. The now former Leicester City manager did not have much to say about the incident following the match.
"“He collided with me.”"
When asked why he did not let the player back onto the field after the incident, Pearson responded once again without much detail into his reasons.
"“Because he said something to me.”"
Though not the only reason behind his firing as manager, the altercation may have accelerated the process. Leicester City currently sit twentieth in the Premier League. The defending champions of the English Championship are currently four points from escaping the relegation zone.
Escaping relegation will not be an easy task for the Foxes. The club’s next three matches are all away against some of the Premier League’s best. Consecutive matches at Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City lie ahead for the club over the next few weeks.
Leicester City must also still host third placed Southampton and Premier League leaders Chelsea as well as making a trip to fifth placed Tottenham. If the Foxes have any hope to escape relegation this season, the side will need to salvage points in these upcoming matches.
Another question the club must ask is whether a new full time manager is needed this season. Both of the squads assistant managers were hired by Pearson, having joined him during both of his tenures with the club.
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It is unknown whether either Craig Shakespeare or Steve Walsh will remain with the club. Should they choose to stay, could either be named as an interim manager?
No matter who is placed in charge, the task of avoiding relegation will be a tough one. Though only four points behind seventeenth placed Burnley, the stature of the squads remaining matches could prove too much for the Foxes to overcome.
The firing of Pearson may come as little surprise for many neutral fans. The dismal season from the club as well as the confrontation on the pitch yesterday finally signaled to the clubs board that a change is needed.
However, the move from the Foxes could be too little, too late. The home stretch of the season is almost upon us. Leicester City will need a superb end of season push if the side wants to remain in the English Premier League for next season.