Pearson apologises for calling journalist an 'ostrich'

A journalist who was labelled an "ostrich" by Nigel Pearson has received an apology from the Leicester City manager.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson berated a journalist in a post-match press conference. (AAP) Source: Press Association

Pearson launched into an extraordinary rant after Thursday's (AEST) 3-1 English Premier League loss to Chelsea, comparing reporter Ian Baker to the lanky bird that is widely - and incorrectly - thought to bury its head in the sand.

The City boss, who also labelled Baker "stupid" and "daft" after taking exception to one of his questions, was in front of the media again on Thursday ahead of the match against Newcastle United this weekend and said sorry for his outburst.

"Apologies for last night. I think it is right to do it in front of the cameras and hope it does not ruin our relationship," he said.

Baker later tweeted to confirm that he had accepted the apology.

The loss to Chelsea ended a four-match winning run, but Leicester remains outside the Premier League relegation zone. However, Pearson didn't finish there, going toe-to-toe with BBC reporter Pat Murphy, told Pearson he is "in danger of being a bully".

The post-Chelsea conference is not the first time Pearson has lost his temper with a journalist. After a goalless draw with Hull City in March, the Foxes boss got shirty with another reporter, appearing to call him a "prick" as he left the post-match press conference in an angry huff.

Pearson was also fined close to $20,000 and given a one match touchline ban last November after an altercation with a supporter during a 3-1 loss to Liverpool.  The manager didn't apologise for that rant, however, and also lashed out at abusive fans in general.

He was also involved in a bizarre incident with Crystal Palace's James McArthur, where he appeared to physically intimidate the midfielder, an episode that had the pundits talking for some time after the 1-0 defeat to the south London side.

BBC's Match Of The Day host and former Leicester City player Gary Lineker responded to comments from Pearson - who sarcastically labelled the programme panel as a "fountain of knowledge" - with a tweet which read: "Ah Nigel Pearson is blaming MOTD for making a mountain out of a molehill. We’d best be careful in future, the fella can look after himself."

Lineker has this week also suggested the job might be too stressful for Pearson.