The relegation of Leicester City from the Premier League was confirmed on Sunday, and Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew and winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku will play in the English Championship next season.
After just one season in the top division, the Foxes were immediately relegated to the second division after losing 1-0 to Liverpool at the King Power Stadium.
For a team that won the Premier League title in a spectacular fashion less than ten years ago, Leicester’s downfall is startling. The team’s problems started early in the season and only became worse after winning the Championship the previous season to earn promotion.
After Enzo Maresca left for Chelsea in the summer, Steve Cooper took over as manager. However, he was fired in November after leading the team to just two victories, dropping them to 17th place and just above the drop zone.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Dutchman who succeeded Cooper, has unable to stop the slump. Leicester has only managed two victories and lost 17 of its 21 league games under his direction. Last week’s 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion put a stop to a losing streak that began in January.
Along with Southampton, Ipswich Town, one of Leicester’s fellow promoted teams, faces relegation. If verified, it would be the second consecutive season in which all three promoted teams make an instant return to the Championship.
Leicester City still have five Premier League matches remaining, but their fate has already been sealed.
