Football
Exclusive: Leicester City Legend Danny Simpson Criticises Manager Maresca's Shock Move to Chelsea
Leicester City legend Danny Simpson is shocked by Enzo Maresca's decision to leave the club for Chelsea. Despite leading the Foxes to a Championship title, Maresca's departure has left fans disappointed.
Image Credits: LCFC
Leicester City legend Danny Simpson was left gobsmacked by manager Enzo Maresca’s decision to quit the club for Chelsea.
Surprise Departure
The popular Italian boss guided the fantastic Foxes to the Championship title last season with an impressive 97 points.
But former Premier League winner Simpson can’t believe the 44-year-old left the King Power Stadium after just one year in charge and a season to savour.
“It’s a bit mad to be honest, I was surprised he (Maresca) left,” Simpson told SportsBoom.com.
“I just don’t know why you’d want to leave such a great club.
“He’s got them promoted as champions and he’s got everything there to be successful.
They’ll be on holiday now and it will great to have heard the manager has signed a new contract.
Danny Simpson
When the Big Six Come Calling
“No disrespect to Chelsea, but look at the foundations at Leicester, the training ground and the facilities.
“But we all know what it’s like whether you’re a player or a manager, a bigger club comes calling and you get tempted.
“However, saying that, Kieran McKenna decided to stay at Ipswich when Manchester United were meant to be interested him in.
“As a player that must be great for them, he’s showing that commitment to them.
“But at the end of the day we just don’t know the ins-and-outs do we?”
Image Credit: The Independent
Supporters Left Disappointed
Maresca’s decision to quit after just one term at the helm has understandably left many Foxes’ supporters disappointed and disillusioned ahead of the club’s welcome return to the Premier League.
The club issued a strongly-worded statement saying they were “disappointed” he’d departed.
Veteran striker Jamie Vardy signed a new one-year deal to play his tenth season in the topflight only last week.
Transfer Future Unclear
But the club were locked under a transfer embargo for breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and, despite splashing out £747m on transfers during the 2022-23 season, it is unclear how much business they can this summer.
“Look, we don’t know the ins-and-outs of the finances for next season and the implications of what they can and can’t do,” added Simpson.
“But maybe that (the finances) has got something to do with it.
“However, for Leicester now, they’ve just got to find someone who can help they with what they’re trying to achieve.”
Simpson, alongside Vardy, played in the famous Foxes team which won the Premier League title in 2006 as 5000-1 outsiders to win the league before a ball had been kicked that campaign.
“I understand the fans’ statement and why the club aren’t happy, because they gave him a chance
Danny Simpson
Managerial Speculation
The former defender, who enjoyed a distinguished career at clubs including Manchester United and Newcastle United, believes former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter would be the perfect fit for next season.
“I think Graham Potter would be good,” said Simpson.
“He’s been quiet for a while now and, from what I understand, he was someone who the club spoke to about the job a while ago.
“It didn’t happen the, but maybe now would be a good time.
“There’s still a few issues to sort out with some senior players, but whatever happens it needs to be done quick.
“The club still have a core of players who know how to play in the Premier League, but they need to get a new manager in because, before you know it, it’s pre-season again and decisions need to be made.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.