Leicester City are reportedly poised to appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new head coach, according to The Telegraph.
This move comes just days after Ben Dawson was installed as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Steve Cooper.
Dawson, previously Leicester’s Under-21s boss and a coach with over a decade of experience at Newcastle United, could still lead the Foxes in their Premier League clash against Brentford this weekend.
However, his future at the King Power Stadium looks precarious, despite only joining Cooper’s backroom staff in the summer.
The 43-year-old’s fate may hinge on van Nistelrooy’s preferences for his support team, with the Dutchman potentially bringing in his own staff after leaving Manchester United earlier this year, where he served as interim manager. Whether Dawson stays on at Leicester in another capacity remains uncertain.
Dawson’s brief tenure at Leicester marks a significant shift in his career. After years on Tyneside, working with Newcastle’s first team, Under-21 squad, and Academy, he made the move south to join Cooper’s setup. Now, he faces the prospect of searching for a new role just months later.
Van Nistelrooy’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for Leicester. His first major test will come against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday, December 14.
The fixture pits the Dutchman against one of Dawson’s former clubs in a game that could underline Leicester’s ambitions under new leadership.
For Newcastle, the focus will be on avoiding complacency. Reflecting on Monday’s defeat to West Ham, the challenge is clear:
“We simply cannot afford to take these games for granted and must make sure our intensity remains at the same level regardless of the opponent.”
