The speculation surrounding Leicester City’s managerial position has intensified, with expectations growing that a new coach will be in the dugout before their weekend clash against Brentford.
This follows the sacking of Steve Cooper, despite the club currently sitting outside the Premier League relegation zone.
Cooper’s dismissal came as no surprise to many observers. While Leicester were not in immediate danger of relegation, their lacklustre performances and failure to adapt to Cooper’s methods suggested the situation could have deteriorated further.
As the club seeks a replacement, the key question remains: who will take charge for the crucial Brentford fixture on Saturday?
A Squad at Odds with Its Manager
Reports have emerged of discord within the Leicester dressing room during Cooper’s tenure.
Players were reportedly unhappy with his tactics and approach, with frustrations boiling over after the recent defeat to Chelsea.
According to Football Insider, a dressing room inquest led by the club’s owners revealed widespread dissatisfaction.
One Leicester player reportedly described Cooper’s style as a “f* disgrace,” reflecting the depth of the divide between manager and squad.
The fallout has been exacerbated by the squad’s off-field behaviour, including a controversial Christmas party in Copenhagen shortly after the Chelsea loss. The timing and nature of the event, given their poor form, were widely criticised.
A Team Lacking Commitment
The players’ lack of cohesion and motivation has raised questions about their commitment to the club.
While this may not be the strongest Leicester side in recent years, it possesses enough quality to survive a challenging Premier League season. However, improvement is essential, regardless of who takes over as manager.
Names like Ruud van Nistelrooy, David Moyes, Carlos Corberan, and Graham Potter have been linked with the role, but whoever lands the job must instil discipline and a sense of purpose in the squad. Without a change in attitude, Leicester risks sliding further into trouble.
Interim Leadership Likely
As of Wednesday afternoon, Leicester have yet to appoint a new manager, and Ben Dawson appears set to lead the team against Brentford if no decision is made. Dawson, part of Cooper’s backroom staff, is currently overseeing first-team training alongside Andrew Hughes and Danny Alcock.
Dawson’s background includes several senior roles at Newcastle United, where he served as under-21s lead coach and head of academy coaching. His final role at Newcastle was as first-team development coach, where he focused on helping young players transition to senior football.
Should Dawson lead the team at the Gtech Community Stadium, he faces the daunting task of rallying an unmotivated squad and preparing them for a critical fixture.
Leicester’s ownership must act quickly to stabilise the club. The decision to part ways with Cooper signals their intent, but the next appointment must be the right one. Whether it’s van Nistelrooy, Corberan, or another candidate, the incoming manager must address the team’s disarray both on and off the pitch.
For Leicester, time is running out to salvage their season. With Brentford looming and uncertainty swirling, the need for strong leadership has never been greater. Whether Dawson or a new face takes charge, the players must rise to the challenge—or risk a season of further turmoil.
