Marti Cifuentes Appointed Leicester City Manager on Three-Year Deal After QPR Stint
Leicester City have officially appointed Spanish coach Marti Cifuentes as their new manager on a three-year contract, marking the start of a new era at the former Premier League champions. The announcement comes after the departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy last month following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
Cifuentes, 43, joins Leicester with a reputation for building competitive squads on tight budgets, a quality the Foxes are keen to bank on as they look to bounce back to the English top flight.
“This is a fantastic club with a proud history, and it’s a privilege for me to be asked to help write the next chapter,” Cifuentes said in his first statement as Leicester boss.
The Spaniard’s coaching journey has seen him climb through European football ranks with notable success in Sweden and England. At Hammarby IF in Sweden, he guided the side to a Svenska Cupen final and secured UEFA Conference League qualification — achievements that caught the eye of clubs beyond Scandinavia.
Cifuentes moved to Queens Park Rangers in October 2023, tasked with steadying a ship that was drifting towards relegation. Under his management, QPR turned their season around, eventually finishing 15th in the Championship — seven points clear of the drop zone. His proactive approach and focus on attacking football earned him plaudits, though his tenure was cut short in April when the club placed him on gardening leave.
For Leicester City, the appointment signals a desire for stability and a clear footballing identity. The Foxes endured a tough campaign in the Premier League, culminating in relegation after finishing 18th. The club hierarchy decided not to renew Van Nistelrooy’s contract, paving the way for a fresh face to take charge.
The upcoming Championship season presents a massive challenge for Cifuentes, who will be tasked with guiding the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Leicester are scheduled to kick off their 2025/26 campaign at home against Sheffield Wednesday on August 10.
The Championship, known for its competitiveness and relentless fixture schedule, will be a stern test of Cifuentes’ managerial credentials. Yet, the Spaniard appears unfazed by the pressure that comes with leading a club of Leicester’s stature.
“I believe in hard work, discipline, and creating a playing style the fans can be proud of,” Cifuentes added. “Leicester City is a club with a big heart, and I’m here to ensure that spirit is seen on the pitch every week.”
Supporters will be keen to see how Cifuentes integrates with the current squad, which still boasts several players with Premier League experience. The summer transfer window is expected to be pivotal, with reports suggesting that the club will back their new manager in the market as they seek to rebuild after relegation heartbreak.
Leading the Foxes pic.twitter.com/QtOfdG7xo9
— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 15, 2025
Leicester’s top brass, led by the club’s board and sporting director, are reportedly confident that Cifuentes is the right man for the job. His track record of working with young talents and instilling a winning mentality aligns with the club’s long-term vision.
The Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday will mark Cifuentes’ first official game in charge, a fixture that is expected to draw a capacity crowd at the King Power Stadium. The fans, eager for a return to glory, will hope that the new manager can ignite a fresh chapter in the club’s rich history.
With pre-season underway, Leicester’s faithful will be watching closely as Cifuentes begins molding his squad in preparation for a grueling campaign. The road back to the Premier League is rarely smooth, but with the arrival of a tactician known for his resilience and sharp football mind, optimism is beginning to build in the East Midlands.
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