Craig Shakespeare was sacked as Leicester City manager on Tuesday just four months into his three-year permanent contract
The circumstances surrounding Shakespeare's dismissal look fairly routine, with the Foxes currently mired in the relegation zone after winning just one of their last 10 league matches.
However, it has since come to light that Shakespeare may have been the victim of an ancient and mystical hex: the curse of the Premier League Asia Trophy.
It's the Asia Trophy effect: first de Boer, now Shakespeare. Who's next? Klopp or Pulis?
— Michael Church (@michaelrgchurch) October 17, 2017
Indeed, since the preseason tournament's inception in 2003, a succession of the coaches involved, especially those who have finished first, second and third, have all lost their jobs in the ensuing weeks and months.
Leicester finished runners-up in the PL Asia Trophy this past July, with their manager departing just eight league games later.
Martinez never the same after 2015 trophy. Di Canio gone within weeks of 2013 one. Did for AVB twice. You're onto something Mike. https://t.co/WiuUuskZKL
— Jonathan Northcroft (@JNorthcroft) October 18, 2017
Frank de Boer's Crystal Palace side finished third out in Hong Kong, with the Dutchman subsequently relieved of his duties just 62 days on down the line.
In the past, Roberto Martinez (Everton), Paolo Di Canio (Sunderland) and Andre Villas Boas (Chelsea and Tottenham) have all suffered similar downturns in fate shortly after participating in the accursed competition.
Given that Liverpool won the 2017 tournament, Jurgen Klopp should probably start watching his back.