Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has urged angry fans to respect the decision to sack title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri, hinting at serious problems behind the scenes.
Srivaddhanaprabha, a Thai businessman, claimed Leicester had "millions" of things to sort out in order to survive and said they were in crisis.
In a statement on his private Instagram account, published by BBC Leicester Sport, he said he had Leicester's best interests at heart and would "never let the club down."
A new statement from the Leicester City chairman on his Instagram account... pic.twitter.com/BaR5DEHein
- BBC Leicester Sport (@BBCRLSport) February 24, 2017
Ranieri was sacked in the wake of the 2-1 Champions League defeat to Sevilla, just nine months after leading Leicester to the most improbable of title successes.
Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare and Mike Stowell take interim charge ahead of Monday's match against Liverpool.
Srivaddhanaprabha wrote: "Thank you to our followers who understand and still support me in any circumstances. What you have seen is only some sides of the club which we can show to the public.
"We have done our best as a management. We do not have only one problem to solve, but there are millions thing to do to make our club survive.
"I would like to take this crisis situation to thank you all fans, and at the same time I do understand you. And also thanks for the ones who keep complaining to me and the management team. I do understand you too.
"Please respect my decision. I will never let the club down."
Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who had a short spell as a Leicester player, is favourite to replace Ranieri on a permanent basis.
I am sorry for my friend #Ranieri. He will remain in the history of @LCFC, in the heart of #Leicester fans and all football lovers.
- Roberto Mancini (@robymancio) February 24, 2017
On Monday, Mancini tweeted: "I am sorry for my friend Ranieri. He will remain in the history of Leicester, in the heart of Leicester fans and all football lovers."