Van Nistelrooy announced as new Leicester head coach

Leicester City confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy has become their new head coach following the sacking of Steve Cooper.

Cooper was dismissed following the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last Saturday, their fifth consecutive game in all competitions without a victory.

Van Nistelrooy most recently took interim charge of Manchester United after they parted ways with Erik ten Hag following a poor start to the season earlier this month.

The Dutchman won three of his four games at the helm, with two of those victories coming against Leicester in the Premier League and the EFL Cup.

Speaking to LCFC.com, Van Nistelrooy said: “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.”

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as our new First Team Manager

— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 29, 2024

This is Van Nistelrooy’s first full-time role since May 2023, when he spent one full season in charge of PSV Eindhoven.

During his time with the Eredivisie side, he won 33 of his 51 games in charge (D10 L8), averaging a win percentage of 64.71%, while also scooping the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.

Leicester travel to Brentford this Saturday, with first-team coach Ben Dawson overseeing matchday duties ahead of Van Nistelrooy’s arrival.

The Dutchman’s first game in charge will be next Tuesday, when the Foxes host fellow bottom-half side West Ham at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League.