“Gary Lineker Voices Concerns for Leicester as Alan Shearer Criticizes Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Team”

Gary Lineker has expressed deep concern for Leicester City following their heavy defeat to Newcastle United.

Despite acknowledging the impact of injuries in midfield, the Match of the Day host admitted the performance left him doubtful about Leicester’s chances of avoiding relegation.

The team is now just two points above the drop zone.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Shearer was blunt in his assessment, branding Leicester “hopeless.”

He asked Lineker, “Do you want to admit your team were hopeless, or would you rather credit Newcastle for being outstanding?”

Lineker responded: “I’ll remind you that our entire midfield was out—Ndidi is injured, Soumare suspended, Winks also injured, and Buonanotte was only fit enough for the bench.

Honestly, we were terrible, and Newcastle were exceptional. It was a mix of both.”

He continued: “I’m really worried about Leicester. Ruud van Nistelrooy has a massive task ahead. We need our players back to full fitness.

Right now, we’re struggling with injuries, including the goalkeeper, who had to come off at halftime.

I’m genuinely concerned. Despite being a few points above the relegation zone, I fear the worst.”

Newcastle’s dominance at St James’ Park was evident, as they registered 27 shots compared to Leicester’s four.

The 4-0 defeat was Leicester’s heaviest of the season, though Shearer argued they were fortunate the scoreline wasn’t even worse.

“It was completely one-sided from the first whistle,” Shearer said.

“The 4-0 result flattered Leicester—it could easily have been seven or eight given the chances Newcastle missed.”