Steve Cooper’s tenure at Leicester City ended in turmoil as reports revealed his failure to win over both players and fans, ultimately making his position untenable.
According to sources speaking to Football Insider, Cooper’s inability to build strong relationships within the squad was the decisive factor in his sacking.
The manager’s departure followed claims, first reported on 24 November, that one senior player had privately described Cooper’s tactics as “a disgrace” during discussions with the club’s owners.
Player power, a significant influence at the King Power Stadium, played a pivotal role in the decision to part ways with the former Nottingham Forest boss despite Leicester’s mixed on-field results.
Leicester had avoided slipping into the relegation zone, securing two wins in their opening 12 matches. While performances had not been disastrous, cracks in Cooper’s rapport with his squad ultimately sealed his fate.
Player Relationships Key to Cooper’s Exit
Sources suggest that Cooper’s struggles at Leicester began almost immediately, as he failed to overcome lingering scepticism among supporters due to his association with Forest.
A damaging 3-0 home defeat to his former club further soured relations with the fans, while tensions with the players reportedly escalated behind the scenes.
By the time Cooper faced Ipswich earlier this month, his position was already precarious. According to Football Insider, only a late equaliser from Jordan Ayew prevented an earlier dismissal.
However, the breakdown in communication between Cooper and his squad left the Leicester hierarchy with little choice but to act.
Ruud van Nistelrooy Poised for Leicester Job:
Attention has now turned to Cooper’s successor, with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy emerging as the frontrunner.
Known for his strong leadership and ability to foster positive relationships, van Nistelrooy is seen as an ideal candidate to unify a fractured dressing room.
Mick Brown, former chief scout at United, endorsed the Dutchman’s suitability for the role. “He should have no issue forming a positive rapport in the dressing room,” Brown stated.
Leicester’s board will hope a fresh start under van Nistelrooy can stabilise the club and steer them away from further trouble.
