Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named as Leicester City’s new boss, replacing Steve Cooper who was sacked after being in charge for only five months.
The former Manchester United striker had most recently led the Red Devils to three wins and a draw, as he took charge on an interim basis, with two wins coming against the Foxes in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.
“I’m proud, I’m excited,” van Nistelrooy, 48, told the BBC.
“Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive.”
Before this appointment, the Dutchman’s only permanent role in management came in his home nation, helping to guide PSV Eindhoven to a second-place finish in the 2022-23 Eredivisie season. Van Nistelrooy left the club before the end of that campaign citing “a lack of support within the club” as the reason for his departure.
Embed from Getty ImagesVan Nistelrooy has signed a contract until June 2027 at the King Power Stadium with Leicester City Chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, saying to the BBC: “Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us.”
Cooper, meanwhile, was dismissed after just 157 days in the job with the Foxes lying 16th in the table and winning two of their 12 Premier League games.
Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge will come against West Ham at home on December 3 in an encounter at the bottom end of the table.
All quotes sourced from the BBC
Written to be published on November 30th 2024
