Leicester City's Thai owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha knows what it means to be in pain - and love. The 38-year-old chairman admits that the club's current struggles are taking a toll on him, but he remains committed to making things right.
"It's love and pain," he says, his voice laced with emotion. "Leicester is like my son. So I have to do it right." The chair, who has been in charge since 2010, feels the weight of responsibility heavily. He knows what his father, Vichai, had planned for the club's future - success long-term - and he wants to honor those plans.
Since Leicester's relegation in 2023, Srivaddhanaprabha has been under intense scrutiny from fans and media alike. The club's wage bill outside of the "big six" is massive, and many questioned how they could afford to stay up. But Srivaddhanaprabha was confident that his team would be okay - he even joked about not needing to do anything.
However, as we now know, the Premier League is a different story. The pressure from fans, players, and boardrooms can be overwhelming. For Srivaddhanaprabha, it's a constant battle to keep everyone happy. He admits that his team needs support from the fans, but also acknowledges that they need to step up their game.
One of the biggest challenges facing Srivaddhanaprabha is profitability. The club has been plagued by financial woes, and the prospect of points deduction hangs over them like a dark cloud. But he remains optimistic - after all, Leicester won the FA Cup two years ago.
Despite the struggles, Srivaddhanaprabha remains committed to his team. He's been working tirelessly behind the scenes, trying to fix the problems that have led to their current woes. He's also made some significant changes, including appointing a technical director to work with Jon Rudkin, the long-serving director of football.
For Srivaddhanaprabha, it's not just about winning trophies - it's about building a sustainable team. He knows that Leicester can be small or big, depending on their performances. And he's determined to make sure they're built for the long-term.
So, what next for Leicester City? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha will be at the helm, fighting for the club's future and trying to restore its former glory. Love and pain may be his motto, but he won't let that hold him back - not yet, at least.
"It's love and pain," he says, his voice laced with emotion. "Leicester is like my son. So I have to do it right." The chair, who has been in charge since 2010, feels the weight of responsibility heavily. He knows what his father, Vichai, had planned for the club's future - success long-term - and he wants to honor those plans.
Since Leicester's relegation in 2023, Srivaddhanaprabha has been under intense scrutiny from fans and media alike. The club's wage bill outside of the "big six" is massive, and many questioned how they could afford to stay up. But Srivaddhanaprabha was confident that his team would be okay - he even joked about not needing to do anything.
However, as we now know, the Premier League is a different story. The pressure from fans, players, and boardrooms can be overwhelming. For Srivaddhanaprabha, it's a constant battle to keep everyone happy. He admits that his team needs support from the fans, but also acknowledges that they need to step up their game.
One of the biggest challenges facing Srivaddhanaprabha is profitability. The club has been plagued by financial woes, and the prospect of points deduction hangs over them like a dark cloud. But he remains optimistic - after all, Leicester won the FA Cup two years ago.
Despite the struggles, Srivaddhanaprabha remains committed to his team. He's been working tirelessly behind the scenes, trying to fix the problems that have led to their current woes. He's also made some significant changes, including appointing a technical director to work with Jon Rudkin, the long-serving director of football.
For Srivaddhanaprabha, it's not just about winning trophies - it's about building a sustainable team. He knows that Leicester can be small or big, depending on their performances. And he's determined to make sure they're built for the long-term.
So, what next for Leicester City? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha will be at the helm, fighting for the club's future and trying to restore its former glory. Love and pain may be his motto, but he won't let that hold him back - not yet, at least.