Leicester City appoint former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith as manager
From winning the Premier League in 2016 to now battling relegation in 2023, things at Leicester City have taken a turn for the worse. Currently sitting in 19th position, the Foxes last week sacked Brendan Rodgers and were on a hunt for a new manager. However, that hunt has now come to an end.
In a move welcomed by fans, Leicester City has appointed former Aston Villa coach Dean Smith as the caretaker manager until the end of the season. As a manager, Smith is highly experienced and has guided Aston Villa back to the Premier League. With the relegation battle getting intense for Leicester, Smith’s experience will come in handy.
Upon his appointment to the club, Smith seemed very delighted. He spoke of the challenge he has ahead, while also mentioning that with the players at Leicester City, it was possible to get the desired results. Speaking in detail, Smith said:
"“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season. The challenge in front of us is clear, but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before and, with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable. Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instill belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week. Saturday will be a big test, but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world. I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points” – Dean Smith (via Leicester City’s official website)"
Even Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was ecstatic to have Dean Smith at the club. The chairman believes that Smith’s skills and experience over the years will prove handy with regard to the club securing Premier League status for next season. Smith’s appointment comes right after Chelsea appointed Frank Lampard as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
John Terry to join Dean Smith at Leicester City
After spending time as assistant manager under Dean Smith at Aston Villa, former Chelsea captain John Terry has once again been appointed to Smith’s coaching staff. Together, Terry and Smith guided Aston Villa to the Premier League.
Now with this new challenge ahead of them, the duo will once again look to work the magic they once did with Villa. In fact, for the players who are under pressure at Leicester City, the experience of John Terry at football’s highest levels will prove to be handy.