Former Leicester City striker Alan Smith has cast doubts over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s suitability as the Foxes’ next manager, amid reports the Dutchman is set to replace Steve Cooper following his dismissal on Sunday.
Speculation has been rife since Cooper’s departure, with names like Graham Potter, David Moyes, and West Brom’s Carlos Corberan initially linked to the vacancy.
However, it now appears van Nistelrooy is the leading candidate to take charge at the King Power Stadium.
The former Manchester United striker, who enjoyed a brief stint as interim manager at Old Trafford, impressed Leicester’s hierarchy by securing two victories against the Foxes during his four games in charge.
Despite van Nistelrooy’s pedigree as a player and his managerial success with PSV Eindhoven, where he won domestic cups, Alan Smith remains unconvinced.
Speaking to Mega Dice, Smith expressed concerns about the Dutchman’s commitment and questioned whether he is the right fit for a club currently battling relegation.
“I don’t see Ruud van Nistelrooy and Leicester as a good match,” said Smith.
“I feel as though his mind would be elsewhere on the bigger jobs available if he were to do well. He used to be a big-time player, and you carry that attitude through as a coach.
“I don’t think it’ll be too long until he gets a Premier League job. He got good experience at PSV Eindhoven winning a few domestic cups, he has been an assistant with the Netherlands national team, and he impressed whilst he was interim manager of Manchester United. I just wouldn’t say he was the right man for Leicester at this stage.”
Smith, who scored 76 goals for Leicester before moving to Arsenal in 1987, believes a more experienced Premier League manager might be better suited to steady the ship. Speaking to Leicestershire Live, he suggested David Moyes or Graham Potter as potential alternatives.
“They’re currently 16th in the league, and I think someone like David Moyes could keep them ticking over at that level and keep them in the league,” Smith said.
“But I think Graham Potter could be the one to take them forward.
“That said, you need someone who guarantees you safety in the league. It’s hard to sustain a long-term vision if you are in the Championship. I’m sure Potter is eager to return to the game, but whether he fancies the relegation scrap with Leicester is another factor – he didn’t have that at Chelsea or Brighton.”
Another reported contender, former England manager Gareth Southgate, has ruled himself out, expressing a desire for a break from football after stepping down from his national role in the summer.
Steve Cooper’s dismissal came after a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea left Leicester dangerously close to the relegation zone. With the club’s survival at stake, the appointment of the right manager could prove pivotal in determining their Premier League future.
