Claudio Ranieri does not believe his players had a role in his sacking, but admitted that "other problems" could have led to his dismissal.
The Italian led 5000-1 outsiders Leicester City to a first ever Premier League title and a maiden top flight title last season. Having entered the season as favourites for relegation and Ranieri expected to be dismissed before the campaign, the Foxes embarked on one of the greatest stories in sports history.
This season, there has been a noticeable dip in quality between the side that clinched the title last year and this year's performances.
A run of poor form which saw them hover above the relegation zone after Christmas led to Ranieri being dismissed in February, despite his side having finished top of their Champions League group and needing just a 1-0 at home to book their place in the quarter-final of Europe's premier club competition.
They managed to do so under interim manager Craig Shakespeare and since his appointment, Leicester have climbed the table.
Speaking on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports, Ranieri said that although he recognised there may have been problems within the group, he couldn't imagine any players had a hand in his departure.
"I don't believe it," he said. "Maybe the players don't give the maximum, because there are other problems.
"When you come back into pre-season and you've won the title, you go around the world. You go to America and play against big teams for the first time.
"The situation is totally different. I can't believe that my players kill me [sic]. No."
Did player power force Ranieri out?
He doesn't think so!
Sky Sports 1 HD now for more! #MNF https://t.co/yzxmbbfcc1— Sky Sports MNF âš½ï¸ (@SkySportsMNF) April 10, 2017
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