Struggling Leicester sack coach Claude Puel

AFP  |  London 

announced the sacking of on Sunday following the struggling side's sixth defeat in seven games.

A statement released by the club said: "City Football Club has today (Sunday) parted company with Claude Puel, who leaves his position as first team with immediate effect." First team coaches and will assume caretaking responsibilities.

"The club would like to thank Claude for his efforts in leading the team during his 16 months in the role and wish him well in his future career," the club added.

Puel's has also been let go.

The 57-year-old is the fifth English to be sacked this season, following Slavisa Jokanovic from Fulham, Mark Hughes (Southampton), (Manchester United) and

The Foxes' miserable run includes a defeat to League Two side in

Their dip in form followed a promising period over when they beat both Chelsea and Manchester City, their last home success on

Their last win was on New Year's Day, with scoring the goal in a 1-0 victory at Everton.

The Midlands side have endured a traumatic season with the death of owner and four others in a helicopter crash outside the club's in October.

took over from at in October 2017 after a year long spell in charge of Southampton.

The Frenchman steadied the ship and eventually led the side to a ninth-place finish in the

He was backed by the club's board last summer, spending money on the likes of James Maddison, Ricardo Pereira, and as he aimed to change Leicester's style of play.

However, the Frenchman's approach came under fire from fans, especially his use of - with the former England striker also publicly questioning his manager's tactics and training regime.

and former boss is reported to be among the front-runners to replace Puel in the summer, with the club set to install an for the remaining 11 matches of the season.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, February 24 2019. 21:15 IST