Look: Schmeichel, Okazaki pay tribute to Ranieri, other Foxes silent

Amid reports that a mutiny in the dressing room led to Claudio Ranieri's dismissal Thursday, Leicester City's players were noticeably silent on the heels of the sacking of the man who led them to unexpected Premier League glory last season.

Fellow managers and former players alike flocked to the side of the humble Italian in near-unanimous support, prompting a heartfelt message from Ranieri that tested even the most impassive eyes to water.

Still, the players remained eerily silent.

A day later, and Foxes shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel and forward Shinji Okazaki posted notes of gratitude for Ranieri on Instagram.

"I would like to thank Claudio for everything he's done for Leicester City Football Club, and for me personally. He deserves massive respect and huge credit for what he achieved here with us," Schmeichel's statement read.

"Thanks to the great man who made this possible," Okazaki's message said.

While the rest of the Foxes stare down the perils of relegation with tails between their legs and heads hung low, Schmeichel and Okazaki appear to be leaders among a squad of followers. A shame that.