Former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has shared his insights on Leicester City's ongoing search for a new manager, predicting the club will make a really ambitious appointment in the near future. The 51-year-old, who has also managed Stoke City, Derby County, and Millwall, has been linked with the vacancy at the King Power Stadium, a club where he once played.
Rowett's Analysis of Leicester's Situation
Speaking ahead of Leicester's match against Birmingham City, Rowett highlighted the challenges facing the Foxes. It's really interesting. I think at the moment there's obviously that instability with the fact that they've got that points deduction, he told Sky Sports. He noted Leicester's inconsistent form this season, suggesting that with their squad, more should be expected, but current chemistry issues and the lack of a manager are compounding problems.
Critical Month Ahead for Leicester
Rowett emphasised the importance of the upcoming period for Leicester City. I think the next step for Leicester has to be the right step for them because you can't go from winning the Premier League to being in League One in a matter of a few seasons, that is very, very poor management, he stated. He believes the club has a big month coming up, with fixtures including a league and cup double header against Southampton, followed by away trips to Stoke and Middlesbrough, a home clash with Norwich, and a journey to Ipswich.
Reflecting on these matches, Rowett said, I've got to be honest, they are a tough next six fixtures. However, he added that with Leicester's squad, if they find the right balance and form, they are capable of winning each game, though he cautioned against relying on past performance.
Appeal of the Leicester Managerial Role
Rowett also discussed why the Leicester job remains attractive despite current difficulties. When you look at their training ground, when you look at the size of the club, I think there'll be a hell of a lot of managers who'll be looking at that job thinking 'I can get them out of trouble', he explained. He pointed out that such opportunities are rare in the Championship, making it a coveted position.
Expectations for an Ambitious Appointment
Rowett anticipates that Leicester will opt for a high-profile manager. I think they'll make a change as well, managerial wise. I think they'll be really ambitious with their next appointment, he said. He suggested that if Leicester are in the top six, the job's appeal changes, but even in their current state, it offers significant potential for the right candidate to steer the club forward.
In conclusion, Rowett expects an announcement soon, underscoring the urgency and ambition likely to characterise Leicester's decision-making process as they aim to stabilise and progress in a competitive league.
