Leicester City Sends Clear Message on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Position Ahead of Tough Arsenal Test
Latest Leicester City News: Club Urged to Stick with Manager Hired in November Despite Poor Results
Leicester City have been advised to stick with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, even if the team is relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.
Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper as Leicester’s boss in late November, but his tenure has been marked by a struggle to pull the team out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Leicester are currently in a tough spot, having won only once in their last 10 league games, losing eight of those, leaving them third from bottom in the table—two points from safety.
Leicester’s next challenge is an FA Cup tie at Manchester United on Friday (8pm), followed by a crucial Premier League match against title-contenders Arsenal on February 15 (12:30pm).
Despite the poor run, former Leicester striker and now pundit Stan Collymore believes van Nistelrooy should be given time at the King Power Stadium and that it would be “ridiculous” to replace him.
Collymore shared his thoughts with William Hill Vegas: “It would be ridiculous if Ruud van Nistelrooy lost his job at Leicester.
While there’s an argument that neither he nor Steve Cooper had a track record to inspire confidence in keeping Leicester in the Premier League, you don’t hire them unless you’re prepared to give them a fair chance.”
Even in the event of relegation, Collymore argues that van Nistelrooy should remain in charge.
“There has to be stability and a clear plan at the club, which has been lacking for the past two or three years. Van Nistelrooy must keep his job.”
Collymore, who scored five goals in 11 games for Leicester during a brief stint in 2000, warns against the club becoming like Watford, who gained a reputation for frequently changing managers.
“Leicester can’t follow Watford’s path, as they ended up relegated after hiring and firing managers constantly. It’s a dangerous strategy, and it ultimately didn’t work for them.”
He also pointed out Leicester’s strong infrastructure, including a great academy, facilities, and stadium, which should attract players.
However, he believes constant managerial changes would discourage players from joining.
Despite the odds of relegation, Collymore suggests giving van Nistelrooy a full season in the Championship to rebuild the squad.
“If he doesn’t succeed, then you look for a manager with a proven track record at the top of the Championship or a lower-end Premier League manager, someone like Sean Dyche,” he said.
