Friday 24 February 2017 11:47, UK
Leicester chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has thanked fans for their "love and support" and asked them to "respect" his decision to sack Claudio Ranieri.
Ranieri was dismissed on Thursday, 298 days after leading the Foxes to the Premier League title, with the club 17th in the table and one point outside the relegation places.
Sky sources understand the board summoned senior players to a meeting in Sevilla on Thursday morning, after their 2-1 Champions League defeat the previous evening, and after listening to their views, decided to sack Ranieri.
On Friday morning, Srivaddhanaprabha posted an Instagram message to fans in which he made clear that the club is in a "crisis situation" and avoiding relegation is their top priority.
"Thank you to our followers who understand and still support me in any circumstances," he wrote. "What you have seen is only some [sic] side of the club which we can show to the public.
"We have done out best as management. We do not only have one problem to solve but there are a million things to do to make our club survive.
"For fans, you have done your best as the team's supporters. I would like to take this crisis situation to thank you all and at the same time I do understand you. I really appreciate the fans who still love and understanding [sic]."
He also addressed those fans who had made their unhappiness with Leicester's current plight known to him.
"And also thanks for [those] who keep complaining [to] me and the management team," he added. "I do understand you too. Please respect my decision. I will never let the club down. Seven years of my hard working here, I [make] the club better and better in every way.
"No need to talk about money. As you can see, all money [goes] back to invest…in the club."
Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare and first team coach Mike Stowell are expected to be in charge for the Premier League clash with Liverpool on Monday, which is live on Sky Sports.
