‘One of the Reasons’: Danny Higginbotham Shares Why He Believes Leicester City Will Be Relegated This Season
Steve Cooper secured his first Premier League victory as Leicester City manager on Saturday with a win over AFC Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium.
Facundo Buonanotte’s goal earned Steve Cooper his first three points since replacing Enzo Maresca as Leicester City’s manager in the summer.
Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, put up a strong fight in the second half, but Leicester’s defense, led by Wout Faes, held firm to secure their first clean sheet of the season.
The victory eased the pressure on Cooper, whose position was under scrutiny going into the match.
This win provides the Foxes’ boss with some relief heading into the international break.
The victory over Bournemouth marks the beginning of an important series of Premier League fixtures for Leicester, with matches against Southampton, Nottingham Forest, and Ipswich Town coming up.
The momentum from this result could be crucial as Leicester navigates these key games.
However, former footballer Danny Higginbotham has voiced his doubts about Cooper’s tenure, suggesting the manager’s approach could lead to Leicester’s relegation.
Speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast, Higginbotham pointed out that Cooper’s tactical philosophy differs significantly from Maresca, now at Chelsea.
He argued that this shift in style might be one of the reasons Leicester could struggle this season.
It’s no secret that Cooper’s appointment has divided Leicester’s fanbase.
Many supporters have found it difficult to warm to him, not only due to his previous role at rival club Nottingham Forest but also because of his cautious tactics and uninspiring interviews.
Despite the victory over Bournemouth, Cooper’s popularity remains a contentious issue among the King Power Stadium faithful.
The game against Bournemouth carried significant stakes for Cooper.
Football is a fast-moving world, and the mood around Leicester had soured after back-to-back draws against Everton in the league and Walsall in the Carabao Cup.
The team’s performance in a hard-fought match at Arsenal, where the Gunners needed two stoppage-time goals to win, coupled with this crucial win over Bournemouth, has bought Cooper some time.
Had Leicester lost to Bournemouth, the club’s leadership might have considered the upcoming international break as the ideal moment to make a managerial change.
But now, with the victory in hand, Leicester can approach their next fixture against Southampton with renewed confidence, aiming to continue their push for survival in the Premier League.
