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Claudio Ranieri's sacking 'undermines the profession of coaching' - LMA chief

Claudio Ranieri's sacking by Leicester less than a year after winning the Premier League title "undermines the profession of coaching throughout the world," according to League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan.

The Italian was dismissed on Thursday night with the Foxes just one point above the relegation zone.

Bevan believes Ranieri "delivered the Holy Grail to Leicester" after defying odds of 5000-1 to land the championship last May, and revealed there had been a "wave of disappointment through managers all over the world" following his departure.

"I have spoken to Claudio last night, and I am sure that at the appropriate time he will make a statement with his own views. Without doubt [he is] very disappointed, very sad, very respectful of the club as well, " Bevan told Sky Sports News.

"Certainly the fans throughout Leicester and all over the world I am sure are wondering why that decision was made. Certainly the out-pouring and communication we have had from managers is one of disbelief.

"Equally you cannot take away the history which he has created. Claudio has given Leicester probably the greatest sporting moment [and] given the Premier League probably one of the most important victories last year."

Bevan added: "In terms of the people I represent, they understand it is a very fragile, very volatile industry and as we have seen with Claudio it is brutal at times.... also I think the sacking of Claudio undermines the profession of coaching throughout the world as well."

Reports had suggested some players had spoken to the club's Thai owners to voice their concerns over Ranieri's reign. Leicester caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare, however, rejected any claims Ranieri had lost the dressing room.

Bevan accepts while unrest among the players in their current plight was perhaps understandable, if the rumours were true then the club hierarchy must "look carefully" at the whole situation.

"As far as player power, I am sure that in any club when results and performances have been strained at the bottom of the league, you are going to have players left out and in an unhappy situation," the LMA chief executive continued.

"I would be very disappointed if that was the case at Leicester and if it is then that is something the management at Leicester need to look at carefully."

Chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association Gordon Taylor also felt for Ranieri's situation.

He said: "People are going to look for a reason apart from themselves, that is human nature, but it is sad if it is being portrayed as if his players have turned on him."

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