“Guardiola Has Already Explained Why Leicester City Should Replace Cooper with ‘Exceptional’ Manager – Opinion”
"Although We're Only Six Games into the Premier League Season, Time May Already Be Running Out for Steve Cooper at Leicester City."
Leicester City are still seeking their first league win under Steve Cooper, who replaced Enzo Maresca in the summer.
So far, they have managed just three points out of a possible 18. Cooper’s appointment was met with mixed reactions, largely due to his prior association with rivals Nottingham Forest.
Unfortunately, the poor start to the season has only amplified the doubts surrounding his tenure.
In their latest match against Arsenal, Leicester came close to securing a draw, having battled back from 2-0 down to level the score.
However, two late goals during stoppage time saw Arsenal snatch all three points, leaving Leicester empty-handed.
This followed a week of rising frustration among Leicester fans, especially after disappointing results in previous games—a draw against relegation rivals Everton at home and a goalless draw against League Two side Walsall in the Carabao Cup.
Leicester’s upcoming fixtures—Bournemouth at home and a trip to newly-promoted Southampton—could determine Cooper’s future at the club.
If Leicester decide to part ways with Cooper, one potential replacement is Graham Potter.
Potter has been out of a job since his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023.
He was Leicester’s top target during the summer, but they failed to convince him to take the role.
With the risk of a points deduction for Leicester now seemingly gone, Potter may be more inclined to consider the position.
He also has the endorsement of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who spoke highly of him even as pressure mounted during his tenure at Chelsea.
In November 2022, when Potter faced growing criticism at Chelsea, Guardiola commented: “If Chelsea accept my humble advice, give him time and he will do well.
They got good results, but the way they played—even in the game they lost to Brighton—showed many things that reminded me of his time at Brighton.
He needs time, everyone does. No one succeeds from day one or two.
I admire his work immensely. What he achieved at Brighton was exceptional, and with time, I have no doubt he’ll succeed.
He’s one of the best managers we have in this league.”
Despite his struggles at Chelsea, Potter remains highly regarded as a top-level coach.
His career breakthrough came during his seven-year stint at Ostersund in Sweden, after which he took the reins at Swansea City and later Brighton.
At Brighton, Potter turned the team’s fortunes around, taking them from a 17th-place finish when he joined to a fourth-place standing in the Premier League by the time he left for Chelsea.
Potter’s ability to improve players and his tactical expertise have earned him a reputation as one of England’s best managers in recent years.
If Leicester can persuade him to accept the role this time, his arrival could significantly enhance their chances of Premier League survival.
