Leicester City have appointed former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith as manager until the end of this season. Smith will have Craig Shakespeare and former Chelsea star John Terry as part of his coaching staff.
Smith led Aston Villa back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2019 but was sacked two seasons later. His last managerial role was at Norwich City FC, a position he left in December last year. Shakespeare is not new in the Leicester dugout as he was part of Claudio Ranieri’s coaching team in Leicester’s title-winning 2015/16 season.
Speaking after his appointment, Smith said that saving 19th-placed Leicester from relegation is his main job and that it is “very much achievable”
“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.” Smith said.
To do this, Smith said that he would have to first rebuild confidence and instil belief in his players just before his first match in charge this weekend against second-placed Manchester City.
In a statement released by Leicester City, club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha extended a warm welcome to Smith and his team and expressed his ability to turn things around in the remaining eight matches of the season.
“On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I’d like to offer Dean a warm welcome to the football club. His leadership, coaching and motivational qualities will be vital assets for us in the coming eight games as we fight to secure our Premier League status.
“We’ve endured a challenging season, but I have no doubt that we have the quality in our squad to win this fight. Dean’s experience will be key to unlocking that potential, helping the team rediscover its confidence and channelling the support of our fans, who will be so important during these final eight games.” Srivaddhanaprabha’s statement reads in part.
Smith beat competition from Jesse Marsch and Rafa Benitez who were also in the run-in to get the job.
