Leicester City Part Ways with Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy After Relegation
Club begins search for new head coach ahead of Championship campaign
- Leicester City have officially parted company with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy
- The club described the departure as “mutually agreed”
- Leicester now face a challenging rebuild ahead of the new season
Leicester City have officially parted company with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, bringing an end to his brief and troubled tenure more than nine weeks after the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The 48-year-old Dutchman, who took over from Steve Cooper in November 2024, managed just five wins in 27 matches, suffering 19 defeats in the process. Leicester’s drop to the Championship was confirmed with five games left in the season, but Van Nistelrooy remained in charge until its conclusion and for a month beyond.
The club described the departure as “mutually agreed”, though its delay drew criticism from pundits, with former Leicester striker Matt Fryatt calling the handling of the situation “baffling” and “a mess.”
Leicester now face a challenging rebuild ahead of the new season—not only must they appoint a new manager, but they are also dealing with the threat of a points deduction after being charged with breaching English Football League financial regulations.
In a farewell statement on the club’s website, Van Nistelrooy said:
“I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy, and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club. I wish the club well for the future.”
Sean Dyche, the former Everton and Burnley manager, has emerged as a frontrunner to replace Van Nistelrooy, with Leicester keen to appoint a new head coach before the season begins.
In the meantime, first-team coaching staff will lead the squad into pre-season preparations, ahead of the Foxes’ opening Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, 10 August.
