New Leicester City manager Marti Cifuentes is determined to bring "fearless" football back to the club as he sets his sights on an immediate return to the Premier League.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has spent his first week with the team in Austria for their pre-season camp, focusing on instilling his football philosophy and approach with less than three weeks until the Championship season begins.
Under former manager Enzo Maresca, Leicester achieved promotion in 2024 with a strategy emphasizing high pressing and heavy possession. Cifuentes believes many of these ideas are already embedded within the club.
Reflecting on Leicester's remarkable Premier League title win in 2016, Cifuentes emphasized the importance of building on the club's reputation for dynamic and adventurous play.
"There is a foundation from years ago that aligns well with my ideas," Cifuentes told BBC Radio Leicester from their training base in Stegersbach, Austria. "We have a talented squad that suits my vision of football, and I want them to enjoy playing in this fearless style that the club is known for."
Cifuentes is clear about his primary objective: returning to the Premier League as soon as possible. He acknowledges the challenge ahead but is committed to creating a balance between short-term success and long-term stability.
"I understand the expectations, and that's how it should be," he said. "Building a foundation and an identity that endures is essential. After relegation, it can be tough, but I aim to rekindle their passion for the game."
Cifuentes replaces Ruud van Nistelrooy, under whom Leicester finished third from bottom in the Premier League last season. The club now faces its second season in the Championship in three years after winning the FA Cup in 2021.
Reflecting on Leicester's past success, Cifuentes is cautious not to take anything for granted in what he describes as "a beast" of a league.
"The team performed well under Enzo, and many players remain, setting a benchmark," he noted. "However, each season and game is different. We must approach the season humbly and not expect an easy path to high points."
The team's performance this season could be influenced by charges related to alleged breaches of the English Football League's financial rules during their Championship win. These issues, along with the need to balance the books, may affect squad decisions.
Cifuentes is planning to work with a smaller squad and intends to make adjustments before the season starts. "I won't speculate on uncertainties," he said. "But I've had productive discussions with the club's leadership about potential scenarios, and I'm fully aware of the situation."
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