Claude Puel sacked: Leicester City dismiss manager after 4-1 defeat by Crystal Palace

The Frenchman has been sacked after 16 months at the helm, with Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers installed as the early favourite to succeed him with a return to the Premier League

Leicester City have sacked manager Claude Puel after Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Crystal Palace, just under a year-and-a-half since taking replacing Craig Shakespeare at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes are without a win in their last seven matches and have slipped into the bottom half of the table, with Saturday's home defeat leaving them 12th and in danger of being dragged into the Premier League relegation battle as they sit just eight points above 18th-placed Southampton, having played a game more.

After guiding Leicester to ninth in the Premier League last season, a run of just two wins in 10 league games through the first half of the season put the Frenchman under pressure, and having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Newport County in January's third round, Leicester have since lost five of their last six games in the top flight.

A club statement issued on Sunday read: “Leicester City Football Club has today parted company with Claude Puel, who leaves his position as first team manager with immediate effect.

“The club would like to thank Claude for his efforts in leading the team during his 16 months in the role and wish him well in his future career.

“Assistant Manager Jacky Bonnevay also departs with the club’s best wishes.

“First team coaches Mike Stowell and Adam Sadler, supported by the club’s established backroom staff, will assume responsibility for the senior squad while the club begins the process of appointing a new manager.

“The board will make no further comment until this process is complete.”

Claude Puel has been sacked as manager of Leicester City (PA)

Speaking after Saturday’s heavy defeat, Puel called for Leicester to remain united to get their season back on track, but his words were also a plea for time from the club’s board, they fell on deaf ears.

"I understand their feelings and I understand their disappointment," Puel said on Saturday night.

"All I can say is keep all their support for the players for the next game against Brighton (on Tuesday) because they need to keep their confidence.

Puel lasted 16 months as manager of Leicester (Getty)

"It's a difficult moment in their careers - a difficult moment in the season - they have to find a good reaction, good response and a positive attitude. Sometimes they have disappointment with all the effort and it's difficult to accept.

"Of course one point from six is a big disappointment. If we look at the points it's not enough. But if we look at the performances it's crazy when you see what we're producing on the pitch. We must keep going."

Puel has overseen a run of seven matches without victory (Getty)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been installed as the early bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Puel permanently, with Burnley’s Sean Dyche and former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner also in the running to take over at the King Power.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is the early favourite to replace Puel (EPA)

The decision continues Leicester’s emotional season following last October’s tragic helicopter crash at the King Power Stadium that claimed the life of the late club’s owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four other people on board. Puel was praised for how he handled the difficult situation, but since then he has faced something of a player revolt after his methods were questioned, with a reported fallout with Jamie Vardy leading to the striker being dropped earlier this month.