Leicester City have tonight released a statement confirming they have NOT parted ways with their manager Nigel Pearson.
It had been reported earlier that the Foxes had sacked their manager with the side bottom of the Premier League, following just four wins this season, and a day after a strange sideline incident with Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur.
However, Leicester tonight attempted to clarify the situation, saying in a statement: ‘Contrary to media speculation on Sunday evening, Nigel remains the Club’s First Team Manager’.
And that Pearson, his staff and the Leicester squad are: ‘entirely focused on Tuesday night’s trip to Arsenal and our continued efforts to secure our position in the Barclays Premier League’.
#lcfc statement confirms Pearson will take charge of team at Arsenal. There was board level discussion over his future, but now some clarity
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) February 8, 2015
It had been reported earlier that Pearson was relieved of his duties following the sides poor run of form and yesterday’s incident when McArthur accidently collided with Pearson on the touchline.
The pair then exchanged words and the Leicester manager appeared to put his hand over McArthur’s throat. The fourth official and Palace manager Alan Pardew tried to break up the scuffle, but Pearson held on McArthur’s jersey as he attempted to return to the pitch.
Speaking after the game, Pearson didn’t exactly do a good job of making light of the incident.’I don’t have to reveal anything do I?’ he said. ‘I’m more than capable of looking after myself’.
Pearson’s issue with McArthur seems to stem back to a failed attempt to sign the player last summer. The 51 year old was previously fined £10,000, and given a one-match ban, when he was caught telling a Leicester fan to ‘fuck off and die’.
Pearson took charge of the Foxes in 2011, having previously being in charge from 2008 to 2010, and guided the side to the Championship title last season.
It now seems Pearson will take charge of the team for the remaining 14 Premier League games.
It’s been a strange weekend for Foxes though.
