Leicester City appoint Dean Smith as manager until end of 2022/23: Can he help them survive the drop?

Leicester City have officially appointed Dean Smith as their new manager until the end of the 22/23 season. The former Aston Villa boss replaced Brendan Rodgers at the club, who was relieved of his duties after four years. 

The Foxes have had a dismal season, and are struggling to survive in the Premier League. The statement released by the club has clearly indicated the objective for Smith – to help them retain top flight status with eight games still left to play. 

Leicester City announce Dean Smith as new manager 

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to lead the team during these final weeks of the season. The challenge in front of us is clear, but it’s one myself and my coaching team have experienced before and, with the quality in this squad and the number of games remaining, it’s very much achievable,” Dean Smith told Leicester City’s official website. 

“Our first job is to rebuild confidence and instil belief in the team and I’m looking forward to getting to work with the players this week. Saturday will be a big test, but it’s the kind of occasion that reminds us all what it means to be a Premier League club, competing on the biggest stages against the best players in the world. I know we’ll be well supported by our travelling fans. We have to connect with that and give them a performance they can be proud of. We go there positive, looking for points.”

The last stretch will not be easy for Dean Smith at all, with games against Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Fulham yet to be played. 

However, he helped Villa survive their first season back in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth. And if Leicester are blessed with the ‘new manager bounce’, they could somehow escape the relegation zone.