Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager following Steve Cooper’s dismissal last week.
Van Nistelrooy will step into the role following Leicester’s clash against Brentford in the league on Saturday, where first-team coach Ben Dawson will take charge after leading training sessions this week.
The Dutchman’s first game as manager will be at home to West Ham United on Tuesday as the Foxes look to make it three wins on the trot against the Hammers.
It is believed that Van Nistelrooy had a number of offers on the table from other European clubs – as well as Championship side Coventry City – but opted to be patient and wait for an opening in the Premier League.
That opening has arrived and the East Midlands outfit officially announced on Friday night their appointment of the 48-year-old, who recently left Manchester United following a short spell as interim manager.
Van Nistelrooy acted as Erik ten Hag’s assistant before the latter was sacked last month, taking control of the Red Devils for four games – winning three and drawing one.
In charge of the Blue Army 🫡 pic.twitter.com/iew0TTBiIW
— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 29, 2024
Van Nistelrooy ‘proud and excited’ to take charge of former Premier League champions
The former PSV manager told LCFC.com:
“I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the Club is impressive.
“I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.”
According to the best football betting sites, Leicester are braced for relegation at an odds-on price of 8/13 – but the club will be hoping Van Nistelrooy’s ‘new manager bounce’ can steer the ship in the right direction.
After gaining promotion back to England’s top flight, the Foxes have struggled to adapt and their recent run of form is far from encouraging with four defeats and a draw in their last five.
