Three managers Leicester City are reportedly considering if Cifuentes departs in January

Out of curiosity, one might be tempted to check a job listings site to see whether Leicester City are quietly advertising for a new manager. Despite the noise surrounding the club, Marti Cifuentes remains in charge at Filbert Way. Given the relentless speculation in recent months, that fact alone may surprise many supporters.

If you have followed national coverage and social media discussion closely, you would be forgiven for assuming the Catalan coach had already been dismissed. At 43, Cifuentes has faced repeated waves of scrutiny since arriving, and several points this season appeared to mark the end of the road. Yet somehow, he has survived every storm.

Writers, bloggers, and pundits — myself included — often fuel these predictions. In Leicester’s case, that habit went into overdrive before Christmas. Multiple runs of poor form led many to believe the club would act decisively. Each time, expectations rose. Each time, nothing happened.

Eventually, it became clear that results alone are no longer a reliable indicator of managerial fate at the King Power Stadium. That represents a significant shift in approach. In previous years, Leicester acted swiftly when standards slipped. Now, patience — or perhaps paralysis — appears to define decision-making at the club.

Recent history reinforces that point. The handling of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tenure, followed by the awkward interim appointment of Dean Smith, highlighted a club unsure of its direction. Smith’s brief spell, despite his connection to Aston Villa rather than Leicester, felt more like damage limitation than long-term planning.

Financial constraints are widely believed to be influencing this new reality. With funding tighter than in previous Premier League seasons, Leicester may feel forced to tolerate underperforming appointments longer than they otherwise would. Whether that is strategic patience or reluctant acceptance depends on perspective.

Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha — known to fans as Khun Top — remains a central figure in this debate. While not all supporters are ready to turn against the ownership, frustration is clearly growing. Another prolonged period of uncertainty could push more fans toward open dissent.

Despite Cifuentes still being in post, the assumption persists that Leicester have contingency plans in place. Reports suggest the hierarchy has already identified several candidates should a change be made during the January window.

One name leading the conversation is a former England international widely regarded as one of the strongest managerial options currently available in the Championship. According to betting markets, he is the favourite at odds of 3/1. His experience, profile, and tactical credibility make him an obvious contender if Leicester decide to reset.

Close behind is a former Rangers manager, priced at 5/1. His reputation for progressive football and work under pressure has earned him admirers, and Leicester’s board are believed to view him as a potential long-term solution rather than a short-term fix.

Next in line is Gary O’Neil, listed at 6/1. O’Neil has built a reputation as a pragmatic and adaptable coach, capable of stabilising difficult situations. His Premier League experience adds weight to his candidacy, particularly if Leicester want someone comfortable handling expectations and scrutiny.

Interestingly, a familiar name also features in the discussion. Former Leicester manager Martin O’Neill is reportedly being considered at longer odds of 13/2. While a return may seem unlikely, nostalgia and proven success at the club could make him an appealing option should the board seek unity and stability.

For now, Cifuentes remains in charge, and there is no guarantee a change is imminent. However, the ongoing speculation suggests his position is far from secure. Leicester appear caught between ambition and limitation, unsure whether to act decisively or persist with a project that has yet to fully convince.

If the Foxes do pull the trigger this month, they will need to ensure the next appointment represents clarity rather than compromise. Another misstep could deepen supporter fatigue and further erode confidence in the club’s leadership.