Leicester City, one of England’s most popular soccer teams, has a new manager — and his name is Marti Cifuentes! The club made the big announcement on Tuesday, revealing that Cifuentes has signed a three-year contract to lead the team as they begin a new chapter in the Championship, which is the second-highest division of English football.
If you’re a fan of the Foxes (that’s Leicester’s nickname), this is big news! Let’s dive into what this means, who Cifuentes is, and what lies ahead for the team.
Who is Marti Cifuentes?
Marti Cifuentes is a 43-year-old Spanish soccer coach who has been making a name for himself in Europe. Most recently, he was the head coach at Queens Park Rangers (QPR), another team in the Championship league. But Cifuentes has also coached in Sweden, where he led a team called Hammarby to the Swedish Cup final and even helped them qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League — a European competition that gives teams a chance to play international matches.
Cifuentes became the coach at QPR in October 2023, and although his time there didn’t end with a trophy, he helped them avoid relegation. QPR finished the season in 15th place, which is seven points above the relegation zone. That might not sound super impressive, but in a tough league like the Championship, staying out of the bottom three spots is a big deal — especially for a team that had been struggling.
What is “Gardening Leave”?
Cifuentes left QPR in April 2025, but it wasn’t your usual goodbye. The club put him on something called “gardening leave.” That’s a funny term used mostly in the UK, which means someone stops working for a company but still gets paid until their contract officially ends. It’s like being told, “Thanks for your work. Please don’t go to another team just yet.” It often happens when clubs want to avoid managers immediately joining a rival.
What Happened to Leicester City?
Leicester City, who were Premier League champions in 2016 (one of the greatest soccer underdog stories ever!), have been going through a rough time. In the 2024–25 Premier League season, they finished in 18th place, which meant they were relegated to the Championship. In English soccer, the bottom three teams in the Premier League drop down to the Championship at the end of each season.
Because of the relegation, Leicester decided to make some changes — including saying goodbye to their then-manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is also a famous former player from the Netherlands. They were looking for a fresh start, and that’s where Marti Cifuentes comes in.
What Did Cifuentes Say?
After signing the contract, Cifuentes shared his excitement with the fans. He said:
“This is a fantastic club with a proud history, and it’s a privilege for me to be asked to help write the next chapter.”
Cifuentes is clearly excited to take over at Leicester and help them bounce back into the Premier League. And with their first game of the new season set for August 10 at home against Sheffield Wednesday, the countdown has already begun.
A Look Back at Leicester’s Famous Moment
In case you’re not familiar with it, Leicester’s Premier League win in 2015–16 is one of the biggest surprises in sports history. Before the season began, betting companies gave them a 5,000-to-1 chance to win the title — that’s the kind of odds people get when they bet on aliens landing on Earth! But against all expectations, Leicester City became champions of England, and players like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kanté became stars around the world.
It was an unforgettable season that reminded everyone that anything is possible in soccer — a sport where even smaller clubs can achieve giant dreams.
Quick Soccer Facts for Middle School Fans
Here are some cool facts to help you understand some of the terms and ideas we’ve talked about:
Manager vs. Coach: In England, the word “manager” is often used instead of “head coach.” A manager not only coaches the team but also helps pick new players and decide who stays or goes.
Relegation and Promotion: In English soccer, teams can move up or down between leagues. The top three teams in the Championship get promoted to the Premier League, and the bottom three teams in the Premier League get relegated to the Championship.
The Championship: This is the second-highest level of soccer in England, just below the Premier League. It includes 24 teams, and it’s known for being one of the toughest and most competitive leagues in the world.
UEFA Europa Conference League: This is a European tournament for teams that don’t qualify for the Champions League or Europa League. It gives smaller clubs a chance to play on a bigger stage.
Pre-season Training: This is the time before the new season starts. Managers use it to prepare the team, test strategies, and get players fit and ready.
What’s Next for Leicester?
The 2025–26 season is super important for Leicester. They want to return to the Premier League as quickly as possible, but it won’t be easy. The Championship is fast-paced, physical, and very competitive.
Cifuentes will need to work hard to build a strong team spirit, find the right tactics, and maybe even bring in some new players. But with his experience in Sweden and England, he seems ready for the challenge.
Their first match against Sheffield Wednesday will be a great test. The home fans at King Power Stadium will be eager to see what their new manager can do. If Leicester can start strong and stay consistent, a return to the top flight might be possible by the end of the season.
Final Whistle
Marti Cifuentes becoming the manager of Leicester City is a fresh start for both the coach and the club. After a tough year with relegation, fans are hoping for better days ahead. And with a coach who believes in hard work, smart strategy, and exciting football, the Foxes could be back in the Premier League before you know it!
So mark your calendars — August 10 is just around the corner. Let’s see what magic Marti Cifuentes can bring to Leicester City!
