Relegation-threatened Leicester City’s pursuit of a new manager could lead them to Steven Schumacher with the Plymouth Argyle boss labeled ‘unbelievable’ after securing the League One title.
If this season has taught us anything, it’s that even an ‘interim’ head coach is not safe from the sack.
Cristian Stellini was given the boot by Spurs, Javi Gracia suffered the same fate at Leeds United and, if Dean Smith had been hired earlier in the campaign, perhaps he too would be fearing for his job as Leicester City plummet headfirst towards the dreaded Championship.
The Foxes cannot be relegated with a defeat at Newcastle United tonight. Not officially anyway. But they’ll be as good as. Lose for the 23rd time this season alone on Tyneside, and Everton will only need a point at home to Bournemouth next weekend to send Leicester down.
Will Steven Schumacher be Leicester City’s next manager?
The short-term appointment of 52-year-old Smith as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement, meanwhile, has backfired. Smith has just one win from six games. And while his excellent track record in the Championship may be an argument to keep him on for 2023/24, talkSPORT believes that replacement is already being sought.
Schumacher, who guided Plymouth to the League One title and back into the second tier after over a decade away, is reportedly one of the early frontrunners.
‘Legend’
“He’s unbelievable,” Bali Mumba, one of Plymouth’s star performers during an outstanding campaign, tells the Argyle website.
“Legend. Just simple as that. Great guy, easy to get along with. I think that’s one of the reasons why I’ve done so well when you’ve got a gaffer that is so chilled and laid back.
“When it’s time to work, it’s time to work. But when he’s got so much confidence in you and puts his faith in you, the only way you are going to pay it back is by putting in performances.
“It’s a great changing room. It’s the best I’ve been in. I’m not just saying that. Everyone gets along with everyone. The senior boys get along with the younger lads. It’s just such a great bunch and the bond we have is unbreakable. That’s why we’ve stuck together this season and got where we are.”
Schumacher’s ability to get a side pulling in the same direction – coaxing the very best out of the talent at his disposal while instilling an attractive, proactive style of play – will be just some of the reasons why Leicester may be willing to take a punt on a 39-year-old who has just one full season of senior managerial experience under his belt.
Fellow 30-something Russell Martin is another candidate (talkSPORT). Martin is expected to leave Swansea City for Southampton instead, however.
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