With Ruud van Nisterooy likely heading for the sack at Leicester City, the Foxes have reportedly set their sights on a new name from the Championship to replace their manager.
Van Nistelrooy's Leicester nightmare coming to an end
Leicester always looked likely to have an uphill climb after losing Enzo Maresca to Chelsea last summer, but their decision to replace Steve Cooper with Van Nistelrooy turned their mission impossible. The former Nottingham Forest boss was given just 12 Premier League games in which he won 10 points with two wins, four draws and six defeats – leaving the Foxes two points above the dropzone.
To put into context just how poorly Leicester’s season has gone since then, they’ve picked up just 11 more points in the six months that have followed Cooper’s departure and have officially been relegated back down to the Championship. Van Nistelrooy has endured a nightmare spell in charge.
Games
22
Wins
3
Draws
2
Defeats
17
Goals Conceded
13
Goals Scored
49
Recording more defeats than goals scored, it seems unlikely that the Dutchman will remain at the helm despite his own recent admission that he would like to stay put at the club.
Van Nistelrooy told reporters after his side’s recent 2-0 win against Southampton: “I know what I want my future to look like. I’m very clear. I have learnt a lot in the past four months, in terms of every aspect of the club and team. I know what’s necessary. Then, of course, it’s a matter of being aligned with the club. I’m waiting for that conversation to take place.
"Unbelievable" manager with two promotions may replace Ruud at Leicester
The Foxes are looking at replacements for Ruud van Nistelrooy, as there is now “no doubt” the Dutchman will be sacked.
ByDominic LundApr 29, 2025
“It’s important to make a good evaluation. Because of the experience I’ve had, I know what’s necessary. You have to be on the same page to move forward. That’s what’s important. And that’s what we have to find out. It’s important to have those conversations internally. But I won’t share this before they take place.”
Instead of keeping hold of the former Manchester United forward, reports suggest that the Foxes are turning their attention towards a summer swoop to sign a Championship manager.
Leicester eyeing Liam Manning swoop
According to talkSPORT, Leicester are now eyeing a summer swoop to hire Liam Manning from Bristol City. The Robins’ manager has enjoyed an excellent campaign and saw his side’s shock place in the Championship play-offs confirmed last weekend. Now preparing to square off against Sheffield United on Thursday, Manning could have plenty of fans from Leicester keeping a keen eye on his side.
Bristol City will, of course, do everything to keep hold of the 39 year-old, having only just welcomed him into the job in November. Instantly praising Manning following his arrival, club Chairman Jon Lansdown said: “Liam is a great fit for the club and the style of play we want.
“He has a very detailed approach to coaching, improving players and getting the best out of them as his record at MK Dons and Oxford United shows, while he has valuable experience within the (Manchester) City Group and in Belgium.”