Expert Insight: Sheffield Wednesday Analyst Warns Leicester Could Be ‘Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire’ with Danny Rohl

After Ruud van Nistelrooy declined to commit to the Leicester City managerial position following their defeat to Newcastle United, speculation has grown around potential successors.

Among the front-runners is Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, who has gained widespread acclaim for his impressive work with the Owls.

Rohl, though currently focused on his role at Hillsborough, is expected to depart in the summer.

He has also drawn interest from Jurgen Klopp for the RB Leipzig job.

To provide insight into what Leicester fans might expect if Rohl were appointed, Leicester City News consulted Sheffield Wednesday expert Jakob Barnes.

Managerial Style & Strengths

Rohl is described as a passionate and emotionally invested coach.

His enthusiasm visibly impacts his players, fostering a strong team spirit and commitment on the pitch.

Sheffield Wednesday fans have embraced his style, and it’s anticipated he’d have a similar effect at Leicester.

His tactical approach is flexible but generally built around a 5-4-1 formation, which morphs into a 3-4-3 during possession phases, using wing-backs to generate width and fluidity.

Weaknesses & Challenges

However, Rohl’s tenure at Wednesday hasn’t been without faults.

Defensive frailties—particularly poor set-piece defending and a habit of conceding early in the second half—have been persistent issues.

These could point to problems with team discipline or ineffective halftime adjustments.

Additionally, Rohl’s candid personality has led to tensions with club ownership at Wednesday, which raises concerns about how he might mesh with Leicester’s hierarchy.

Potential Fit at Leicester

Rohl’s high-energy, attacking football could rejuvenate a Leicester side that has struggled this season.

His ability to extract strong performances from players could be instrumental in revitalising the squad.

However, his experience with ownership turmoil at Sheffield Wednesday may make him cautious about stepping into a similarly unstable environment at Leicester.

He’s likely to demand clear backing and a constructive relationship with club executives.

Youth Development & Recruitment

Rohl has shown a willingness to promote youth, as seen with young talents like Pierce Charles and Gabriel Otegbayo getting chances this season.

Though he typically leans on experienced players when necessary, his philosophy suggests that talent—not age—drives selection decisions.

If he were to bring one player from Wednesday to Leicester, Barnes believes it would be winger Djeidi Gassama.

The youngster is full of flair, energy, and creativity—traits that align closely with Rohl’s footballing ideals.

In summary, Danny Rohl offers an exciting, forward-thinking option for Leicester, but the club’s internal climate could play a major role in whether he ultimately accepts the role.