Leicester City have officially dismissed manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, bringing an end to his brief tenure just under two months after the club's relegation from the Premier League. The former Dutch striker, who took the reins in November 2024 following the departure of Steve Cooper, was unable to prevent the club from slipping into the EFL Championship.
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Leicester went down under NistelrooyFoxes show the door to the Dutch managerDyche touted as potential replacementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
The 2024–25 season proved to be a calamitous one for the Foxes, who finished 18th in the Premier League table and ended the campaign 13 points adrift of safety. After parting ways with Cooper early in the season, hopes were high that Van Nistelrooy, despite his limited managerial experience in England, could provide the necessary turnaround. However, the change failed to yield results, with Leicester managing only six wins across the entire campaign.
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The outgoing manager issued a statement expressing gratitude: "I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the Club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the Club well for the future."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
As Leicester shift their attention to the 2025–26 campaign, the search for a new manager is now underway, with players set to reconvene for pre-season next week. Among the early names linked with the vacancy is Sean Dyche. His proven track record of building competitive squads could make him an attractive option for a club determined to bounce back at the first opportunity.
WHAT NEXT FOR LEICESTER?
For now, the existing coaching staff will be tasked with leading Leicester’s pre-season training and initial preparations for life back in the second tier. The club confirmed that those plans will proceed as scheduled on June 30, with leadership duties handled internally until a new appointment is made.