Leicester City Deny Reports That Nigel Pearson Has Been Fired by Club
Leicester City have denied that they have fired manager Nigel Pearson after reports to the contrary.
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Pearson Comments on Job Status
Monday, Feb. 9
Sky Sports passed along comments from Pearson as he talked to the media ahead of tomorrow's match against Arsenal:
"'I've never spoken too much about internal relationships at the club. I've always had a good working relationship with the board,' said Pearson.
'There is sometimes speculation - unfortunately, sometimes the news breaks. But I still have a responsibility to lead the players. I'd rather the story wasn't out there but it is, and I have to carry on.
'I understand the interest, the questions, but I have loyalties to the people I work for, my staff, the players that are more important to me, than dealing with stories that are based on speculation.
'I’ve had conversations (with the board) and if I’ve got things to say I’ll say them in the appropriate manner to the appropriate people.
'We have a game tomorrow and my focus and that of the players is very much on what we can do tomorrow night.'
"
Earlier, Sky Sports revealed Pearson would take part in training as normal.
Leicester City Confirm Pearson Hasn't Been Sacked
Sunday, Feb. 8
The club released a statement ahead of the matchup versus Arsenal:
"Contrary to media speculation on Sunday evening, Nigel remains the Club’s First Team Manager. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate and without foundation.
"
Nigel, his staff and the first team squad are entirely focused on Tuesday night’s trip to Arsenal and our continued efforts to secure our position in the Barclays Premier League.
The report of Pearson's exit was revealed on Twitter by Sky Sports News HQ.
Ed Aarons of The Guardian added credence to those reports:
Pearson's side have struggled to gather any momentum since their return to the Premier League. The Foxes are currently rooted to the bottom of the division and have lost their last three games in succession.
The most recent defeat was a 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace, a game in which Pearson was involved in an unsavoury incident with Eagles midfielder James McArthur, per Football Tweet:
He was also involved in an altercation with a supporter earlier in the season. As noted by the Press Association, via The Guardian, his “abusive and/or insulting words towards a spectator” saw the 51-year-old hit with a one-match ban and a £10,000 fine as a result.
As of yet there’s been no insinuation as to whether the decision to relieve Pearson of his duties is based upon anything other than footballing reason, but it’d be fair to say he’s not covered himself in glory this season.
Nonetheless, he did steer the club to the top of the Championship in the previous campaign and has given those who frequent the King Power Stadium some excellent memories. The club’s former midfielder Robbie Savage is disappointed to see him leave:
The club's former striker Gary Lineker expressed similar sentiments:
"Not overly surprised that Nigel Pearson has been fired by Leicester, given they're bottom, but he's been a very good manager of the club.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 8, 2015"
The Foxes are four points away from safety, and the club’s board clearly thinks Pearson isn’t the man to get the club out of this predicament.
Those associated with Leicester will be hoping a new man will breathe fresh impetus into a group of toiling but talented footballers and give the Foxes a fighting chance of beating the drop.
