Claudio Ranieri sacked: Jose Mourinho, others criticise Leicester City FC’s move

Claudio Ranieri, who took Leicester City to Premier League title last season, has been sacked after a poor outing this season. The move was criticised by managers and former players.

Of all the reactions against the shocking sacking of Claudio Ranieri by Leicester City Football Club, the one which would have touched the popular manager most is by his rival manager, Jose Mourinho.

Leicester City FC reached great heights under Claudio Ranieri. They are also playing in Premier League. (REUTERS)

“CHAMPION OF ENGLAND and FIFA MANAGER of THE YEAR.sacked. Thats the new football claudio.keep smiling AMICO.nobody can delete the history you wrote,” Mourinho posted on his Instagram account in a tribute to Ranieri while taking a dig at the new culture in football.

Beating all odds, Ranieri had scripted a fairytale last season when he guided the minnows of English football to the Premier League title.

England legend Gary Linekar called the axing inexplicable: “After all that Claudio Ranieri has done for Leicester City, to sack him now is inexplicable, unforgivable and gut-wrenchingly sad,” he tweeted.

It’s an “Absolute Joke” said Jamie Carragher.

Leicester City sacked Ranieri nine months after he won the Premier League, for which he was named Fifa’s coach of the year.

Gary Neville questioned whether the manager had become a victim of expectations. “Winning the Premier League the “ New Poisoned Chalice “ Conte sacked next season!! – Neville said taking a dig at Leicester and the harsh system.

Read | Leicester City FC’s fairy tale turns to dust as Claudio Ranieri is sacked

Leicester City has been struggling in the EPL this season, having won just five of their 25 league games and the defending champions hover near the relegation zone.

But at the same time have done well in the Champions League. The decision came less than 24 hours after a gutsy 2-1 loss in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 game against Sevilla.

“Claudio Ranieri sacked! Unfortunate news I think! Wonder how I’d feel if I was a Leicester player right now. Could I have done more”, was former England Arsenal star Ian Wright’s reaction.