Newly appointed Leicester City manager Martí Cifuentes says he is thrilled to take charge of what he describes as an exciting project at the former Premier League champions.
Cifuentes has been appointed as the first team manager on a three-year contract, replacing Ruud van Nistelrooy, who led the team to their relegation from the Premier League last season.
In an interview with the club, the 43-year-old Spaniard outlined his vision for the Foxes as they gear up for the 2025/26 EFL Championship season, with Zambian striker Patson Daka and the rest of the squad currently in Austria for preseason preparations.
Cifuentes, who arrives with a reputation for implementing attacking and progressive football, spoke of his admiration for the club’s history and the quality he sees in the current squad.
“First of all, the history; I know about how big the tradition of the club is,” Cifuentes said. “Secondly, I think there is fantastic potential and quality in the squad. I’m looking forward to working with people who have certainly achieved big things in football in this club.”
Team’s foundation intact – Cifuentes
The former Queens Park Rangers manager stated that while it may take time to fully implement his tactical philosophy, the team’s foundation is already in place.
“I always think that all teams can always improve and develop and that’s part of management — to understand the team. One of the reasons that attracted me to be here was that there is a good quality of players for the style that I like to play. Of course, it will take some time until we see the version of the team that I would like to see, but the base, I’m sure is going to be there from day one.”
Cifuentes made it clear he expects Daka and his teammates to embody a bold and competitive mindset on the pitch.
“I want a team that has an attacking way of understanding the game. Despite scoring one, we always chase the second goal and the third one. It will be about being very competitive.”
The Zambian international is entering his fourth season at Leicester City.
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