Marti Cifuentes gives his first sit down interview on becoming new Leicester manager

Marti Cifuentes gives his first sit down interview on becoming new Leicester manager on a three-year contract.

He expressed excitement about joining the club, spoke of its rich history, talented squad, and top-notch facilities as key reasons as to what attracted him.

His football philosophy was shaped by Johan Cruyff, a dominant, attacking style of play aimed at winning games while entertaining fans, highlighting the importance of building a strong connection with them.

With experience coaching in five countries and a successful stint at QPR, he understands the demands of the Championship, describing it as a tough, relentless league.

He plans to implement his vision through hands-on training, focusing on player engagement and mental preparation, especially after a challenging season.

The club said he brings a modern, progressive football philosophy and diverse coaching experience from Spain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and the UK. He is joined by Assistant Manager Xavi Calm.

He begins preparations for Leicester’s season opener against Sheffield Wednesday on August 10th.

Welcoming Martí Cifuentes as our new Manager 🦊

— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 15, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

We are delighted announce the appointment of Martí Cifuentes as new Leicester City Football Club First Team Manager, effective immediately.

Martí Cifuentes named Leicester City First Team Manager

The 43-year-old signs three-year-deal at King Power Stadium

He has coached in Spain, the Netherlands and Scandinavia

His most recent experience was as manager of Queens Park Rangers

The 43-year-old joins us on a three-year contract, bringing a modern, progressive footballing philosophy to Filbert Way, along with rich experience across a number of European leagues.

Martí will be joined by Assistant Manager, Xavi Calm, 43, who worked alongside him in his previous role at Queens Park Rangers in the Sky Bet Championship.

Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “We’re delighted to welcome Martí to Leicester City. His energy, ambition and clarity of ideas stood out throughout the recruitment process. We felt strongly that bringing him to the Club would help us to create the success we all want in the years ahead. Martí is an excellent fit for our Football Club – his personal and coaching qualities will be vital to building an identity our fans will be able to see reflected in their team on the pitch.”

Leicester City Manager Martí Cifuentes said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed Leicester City Manager. This is a fantastic Club with a proud history and it’s a privilege to me to be asked to help write the next chapter. I’m looking forward to getting to know the players, as well as connecting with our supporters and the city in the weeks and months ahead. I can see the passion that exists here, and I’m excited to begin this journey together.”

Three questions for Martí 💭 pic.twitter.com/WLtpI07OMZ

— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 15, 2025

He arrives following an impressive spell at Queens Park Rangers, where he took over in October 2023, guiding the London side from the Championship relegation zone to an 18th-placed with five wins in the final eight games of his first season and improving on that again last term.

Prior to moving to England, the Catalonia-born coach enjoyed success with Hammarby IF in Sweden, leading them to a Swedish Cup final and European qualification, and with Sandefjord in Norway, where he was credited for transforming the club’s style and performance.

His coaching journey also includes experience in Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and in the UK, contributing to a diverse tactical and coaching background that helped add to his growing reputation within the game.
Martí will begin work immediately as preparations for our season opener at home against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 10 August (4:30pm BST kick-off) continue.

Here’s how fans reacted as Marti Cifuentes gives his first sit down interview on becoming the new manager of Leicester…

@smichail89: You’ve got a really good one here… Sad to see him leave QPR after doing a fine job. Wish him all the best at Leicester 👏🏻

@QPRDROG: Best of luck Marti, shame the way it ended, but no doubt he saved the club from certain relegation in his first season. Wishing him well in all games bar two next season

@QPRTravels: He’s a great guy. A manager we believed in. It didn’t end how we wanted. But if we overlook that, we did love him.

@QPRW12JA: Did a decent job for us especially in his first season saving us from certain relegation. Nice fella and he goes with our blessing and best wishes.

@DaveH1966: Brave man taking on this club, in the state its in, good luck marti

@Ashleypp1986: The appointment of Marti Cifuentes is either going to be an Enzo like appointment or a Paulo Sousa like appointment! #LCFC

@RizLCFC: Like the way Cifuentes handled the same old cringe questioning in his first interview. Three managers in a year now so it’s just draining. However, he spoke quickly and clearly. Get on with the job now. Get rid of the deadwood, build his team and style. Good luck to him. #LCFC

@kelsen_sachin: I know it’s a terrible time to be negative but the way this club has dealt with this has taken all the positivity out of the appointment. At least he’s finally fucking here tho. Welcome Marti #LCFC

@ChrisSansomee: Finally! I like what I’ve heard about him, feel like he’ll suit this squad very well. As always, the fact it took the club this long to get a man in is a shitshow but we all know they’re useless.

@mnorman1985: I’m on the fence with Marti. Obviously I want him to do well, but, everyone was positive & bugging up RVN (me included) and look how bad that turned out. So I’m trying not to get caught up in the hype around him. Can only pass judgement when the league is up & running #lcfc

@MatthewB1979: Cruelly and cynically overlooked again. And on my birthday. However I wish Martí all the best….

@Ashingram89: Don’t know a lot about the guy so I cannot judge but let’s get behind him and start preparing for a long season now 🦊 Would be nice if this was they year the youngsters break through 🦊

@hursty16: Welcome to our 10th choice as manager. We asked lots of others but they all turned us down so we are delighted to announce the next on the list!!!! *I actually think this could be a decent appointment but all the same…. #lcfc

@ARRESTWARD: No getting excited, no fannying about, stop fucking smiling and get to work.