On February 23, Leicester City parted ways with their then-manager Claudio Ranieri.
My word, when I saw this, I couldn't quite believe it. Has the club not known what this manager has done for them?
Taking over a club that finished 14th place, a struggling side, to win the Premier League in the 2015/2016 season. A manager that made them believe, made everyone aware of their journey, turned naysayers into believers. It was indeed on the list of the most unbelievable stories in sports history.
I see it and I don't believe it. In hindsight, it says a lot, a lot about "Modern Football."
Everything is wrong; short term memory loss, money obsessed, losing touch with reality, all factors of what's wrong with "Modern Football". One day, you're the biggest of the lot, praised by everyone. The next day, you're the garbage in the trash can.
Sports have always been about business, but this new era is more, it's bred a culture of fear and impatience. Claudio Ranieri could've gotten sacked earlier this season, but was only left on due to winning the league the year before. It also says a lot about loyalty, there seems to be none and that's worrying.
Sadly, in football, neither in life; there's no room for sentiment, but what there is room for is having respect. To respect the coach, respect the process, Ranieri was struggling, but I'm sure that with his tactics, they would've pulled through.
Now I'm not so sure, with 12 games remaining, currently sitting in 18th place. Ranieri was the engine, the spirit of the team, gave players like Jamie Vardy & Riyad Mahrez the push they need to excel as professionals.
This is a lesson, winning doesn't secure you anything anymore, the time flew by and hit him right in the face.
It's a sad moment in football, especially for Ranieri, he had plans for this team, to keep the faith alive, but that couldn't be.
From Heroes to Zeroes. A shame really, the dream has died.