Nigel Pearson remains Leicester City manager despite sacking reports

Leicester City have confirmed Nigel Pearson remains the club's manager despite widespread reports the Premier League's bottom side had parted ways with the 51-year-old.

Defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend was the Foxes' third in a row and leaves the club four points adrift of safety in the Premier League.

Reports on Sunday evening (8 February) suggested that Pearson had been removed as manager ahead of the final 14 games of the season, but Leicester have moved swiftly to deny the claims.

"Contrary to media speculation on Sunday evening, Nigel remains the Club's first team manager," a club statement read. "Reports to the contrary are inaccurate and without foundation.

"Nigel, his staff and the first team squad are entirely focused on Tuesday night's trip to Arsenal and our continued efforts to secure our position in the Barclays Premier League."

Pearson's position has come under scrutiny of late amid just four league wins this season, while a highly controversial incident involving Palace midfielder James McArthur during the 1-0 defeat on Saturday has swelled the pressure on the Nottingham-born boss.

The former Southampton and Hull City manager appeared to restrain McArthur – who City targeted during the last summer transfer window – on the floor for a sustained period before a lengthy verbal exchange between the two individuals.

The Football Association are expected to write to Pearson to ask for his explanation of events but the City boss has attempted to defend his actions.

"I don't have to reveal anything do I? I'm more than capable of looking after myself," he said. "Listen, I've a lot of respect for the lad, he's a good player. You know what happened in the summer in terms of him coming here.

"I'm as disappointed as he was with how things panned out, but it was nothing to do with either myself or the player. But there's no problem with the player. He's a good player and a likeable lad."

Pearson will face the media at 2pm on Monday to preview the trip to Arsenal where he is expected to be questioned on both his future and the incident with McArthur which currently sees a cloud cast over the King Power Stadium.