NIGERIA internationals Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho will be playing under Dean Smith and John Terry until at least the end of this season following the Englishmen’s appointments as Leicester City manager and coach.
The Foxes confirmed the appointments tonight, just over one week after they sacked Brendan Rodgers over poor performances and results.
“Leicester City Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Smith as the Club’s First Team Manager until the end of the 2022/23 season,” the club stated on their official website.
“The former Norwich City, Aston Villa and Brentford manager will take charge of First Team training from Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City.
“Smith brings a wealth of managerial experience and expertise to the role and, along with his coaching team, will be tasked with helping the Football Club retain its Premier League status as we head into the final eight games of the current season.”
Smith, 52, will work with former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare, who was also an assistant manager under Nigel Pearson and Claudio Ranieri.
Former England and Chelsea captain Terry, who served under Smith as a coach at Aston Villa, is also one of the new coaches.
“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.
“Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil 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.”
Leicester City are currently second from bottom, two points from safety, and Smith has eight games to save them from relegation.
His first game in charge is a daunting trip to champions Manchester City on Saturday.
