Leicester City have announced two changes to their coaching staff following a string of poor results in the Premier League, though manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in his position, the club confirmed on Monday.
Two of Van Nistelrooy’s assistants, Ben Dawson and Danny Alcock, have left the club in the aftermath of a 4-0 home defeat to Brentford, which left Leicester five points adrift of safety. This loss marked their sixth consecutive home game without scoring, setting an unwanted Premier League record.
Van Nistelrooy, who took charge in November, has overseen 13 Premier League matches, winning just two and losing 10, leaving his future at the club in doubt. This is only his second senior managerial role, following a stint with PSV Eindhoven. He also had a brief spell as interim manager at Manchester United earlier this season, where he spent five years as a player.
Dawson and Alcock, who joined Leicester at the start of the season as first-team coaches under Steve Cooper, departed after Cooper was sacked in November and replaced by Van Nistelrooy.
“We place on record our thanks to Ben and Danny for their contribution and service and wish them both well in the next steps of their respective careers,” a club statement said.
The pressure is undoubtedly mounting on Van Nistelrooy. Few believe he will walk away voluntarily, but questions remain about whether he will be given more time if he fails to secure points in his next three games. Can he turn things around and adjust his team’s performances?
So far, there has been little reaction to the poor results. No significant changes or adjustments have been made to the team’s style of play or formations, which has left many puzzled. The situation remains uncertain, and only time will tell how it unfolds.
Jelle Ten Rouwelaar, a goalkeeping legend for NAC Breda with 313 league appearances for the club between 2007 and 2016, has stepped into the role of working with the goalkeepers. He brings extensive experience, having also played for Emmen, PSV, Groningen, Twente, PEC Zwolle, and Austria Wien.
The recent results and performances have been deeply concerning, offering no value or dignity to the club. The team has gone through a period of failing to score goals, secure points, or display any fighting spirit. The situation has become so dire that few can comprehend how it has reached this point.
Andy King, a former Leicester player, was introduced last week as a new member of the first-team coaching staff. With Dawson’s departure, King is expected to take on a more prominent role.
This shake-up could be a crucial test for Van Nistelrooy. As it stands, he appears to be leading the team without making significant changes to his coaching setup. To turn things around, Van Nistelrooy must assemble a team with more energy and movement. The current static and uninspired style of play is far below the required standard and cannot continue if the club hopes to avoid relegation.
