Leicester Draw Up 5-Man Shortlist as Pressure Mounts on Cifuentes

Leicester City’s managerial situation has become a major talking point, with growing speculation over who could replace Marti Cifuentes if the club opts for a change in the dugout. Despite the Catalan coach briefly easing the pressure on himself with an improved second-half showing against Sheffield United, the eventual defeat still left many fans believing he was on the brink. Without that spirited late push, his job might well have been in jeopardy.

Even after that match, sections of the Foxes faithful were convinced the former QPR boss had reached the end of his time at King Power Stadium. But Leicester’s recent win over Derby County — a performance reminiscent of their iconic 4-0 thrashing at Pride Park back in 1998 — momentarily steadied the ship. Promotion remains the priority, and that victory offered just enough optimism to cool some of the tension.

Another theory circulating is that, even if Leicester’s hierarchy wanted to dismiss the 43-year-old, financial limitations could be preventing them from paying out compensation and funding a replacement. Still, if a change does become possible, attention naturally shifts to who might be next in line. That’s where current reports come in.

According to Football League World, Leicester would be interested in Daniel Farke — but only if he were to leave Leeds United. Ironically, Farke has revived his side’s fortunes over the past week, much like Cifuentes’ own recent mini-recovery.

Other names linked include:

* **Michael Carrick** — Praised for shaping Middlesbrough into an attractive, play-off-reaching outfit during his debut season. Considered a logical, balanced option.
* **Gary O’Neil** — Admired for his high-tempo attacking style, which aligns with what Leicester supporters crave.
* **Ralph Hasenhüttl** — Seen as a potential short-term solution who could deliver an immediate push toward promotion.
* **Russell Martin** — Reported by Football Insider to be highly rated by Leicester’s board, though such an appointment would likely spark outrage among the fanbase.

Of the rumored contenders, Carrick and O’Neil currently stand out as the most appealing choices for many supporters.