Marti Cifuentes Named New Leicester City Manager

Leicester City have appointed Marti Cifuentes as their new first-team manager after Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s departure. The 43-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the club.

Cifuentes will be joined by assistant manager Xavi Calm, also 43, who worked with him at Queens Park Rangers (QPR). At QPR, Cifuentes took over in October 2023 when the team was in the Championship relegation zone. He helped them finish 18th with five wins in their last eight games and improved the team further in the following season.

“It’s a great honour to be the manager of Leicester City,” said Cifuentes. “This is a fantastic club with a proud history. I look forward to knowing the players, fans, and the city. I can see the passion here and I am excited to start this journey together.”

Before coming to England, Cifuentes coached Hammarby IF in Sweden, leading them to a Swedish Cup final and European qualification. He also coached Sandefjord in Norway, where he improved their style and performance.

Cifuentes has coaching experience in Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the UK. This has helped build his strong reputation as a modern and tactical coach.

Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha welcomed Cifuentes warmly. “We are happy to have Marti at Leicester City. His energy, ambition, and clear ideas stood out during recruitment. We believe he will help us create success in the coming years.

“Marti is an excellent fit for our club. His personal and coaching qualities will help build an identity that fans will see in their team on the pitch,” he added.

Leicester City are now looking forward to a new chapter under Cifuentes as they prepare for the upcoming season.