Leicester City have released a statement confirming their support for their title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri.
Ranieri helped deliver an unprecedented Premier League title to the King Power Stadium last season, but his side are currently embroiled in a relegation scrap, just one point above Hull who sit in 18th position.
CLUB STATEMENT: #lcfc would like to make absolutely clear its unwavering support for Claudio Ranieri: https://t.co/N4fqYbMlfT pic.twitter.com/CENZOZgCDW
Speculation has increased in recent weeks that Ranieri could be the next Premier League manager to face the sack, but his club have rubbished such rumours, highlighting the club's strength in overcoming adversity.
"In light of recent speculation, Leicester City Football Club would like to make absolutely clear its unwavering support for its First Team Manager, Claudio Ranieri," the club revealed on theirofficial website.
"While there is a collective appreciation from everyone at the Club that recent form needs to improve, the unprecedented success achieved in recent seasons has been based firmly on stability, togetherness and determination to overcome even the greatest of challenges.
"The entire Club is and will remain united behind its manager and behind its players, collectively and firmly focused on the challenges ahead."
Such challenges include an FA Cup replay against Derby County before a crucial trip to fellow strugglers Swansea, while the club continue their Champions League campaign later in February with a trip to Sevilla.
The club's strong core and flair going forward have not been visible this season, with Robert Huth and Wes Morgan looking suspect at the back and Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy unable to terrorise defences in the same manner they did during the 2015-16 season.