Relegation a genuine prospect for stumbling Leicester
MANCHESTER, England — Relegation is looming as a genuine prospect for stuttering Premier League champion Leicester.
It’s 79 years since a defending champion was relegated from England’s top division — the fate befell Manchester City in 1938 — but Leicester is heading that way after a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United on Sunday.
That left Claudio Ranieri’s team in 16th place in the 20-team league, one point above the relegation zone with 14 matches left. This time last season, the Foxes were atop the standings and on their way to the most remarkable title triumph in Premier League history.
“Let’s not talk about last season. It’s gone,” Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said. “It is not a comfortable situation. It has been terrible, embarrassing. It is time for each one of us — from the top to the bottom of this club — to be counted. If we don’t, we will be relegated.”