Ruud van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as the new head coach of Leicester City, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. The Dutchman was one of the many names in the mix to become the next Foxes boss, but he was the one eventually chosen to put pen to paper. Van Nistelrooy awaits the personal challenge of attempting to succeed in his first permanent job in England, but more importantly faces the task to retain Leicester’s spot in the top flight.
The sacking of Steve Cooper came as a surprise to many on Sunday evening, not only because of the newly promoted side sitting above the relegation zone, but also the timing of the dismissal – coming after the international break and after, what is fair to say, an expected defeat against third-placed Chelsea. However, since the departure of Cooper, reports have suggested that he fell out with some of the senior players and the squad struggled to understand his philosophy. The Foxes now must look forward to life under the helm of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, as he aims to galvanise a disorientated Leicester side.
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Van Nistelrooy is as good a manager as he was a player, then the Blue Army are in for some ride. In his short managerial spell, the former striker has had roles as assistant manager with the Netherlands national team and Manchester United, as well as being the head coach at PSV’s youth academies and senior team. In his only full managerial season, he finished second with PSV in the Eredivisie, averaging 2.2 points per game. More notably though, he guided his side to winning the Dutch Cup, after defeating Ajax on penalties in the final.
The Dutchman stepped down from the PSV role and had been out of work for little over a year, until his beloved Manchester United came calling, with Van Nistelrooy taking up the assistant role alongside Erik ten Hag.
With Ten Hag sacked in late October, Van Nistelrooy’s spell as caretaker manager lasted 15 days, being unbeaten in that time with three wins and one draw, including two victories over Leicester. He opted for a 4-2-3-1 in his four games in charge, which is similar to the system with which Cooper set out. The 48-year-old was a popular figure with the Manchester United fans in his short time as the boss, not only for his legendary status at the club, but for bringing the feel-good factor back into the Old Trafford.
No doubt it is a gamble from Khun Top and the board, but his statistics so far in management have been impressive, and it must be said that the risk of Enzo Maresca certainly paid off, so who’s to say this one won’t? Only time will tell, with Leicester fans hoping he can breathe some life back into the club, after what has been a dull last few weeks under Cooper.