Leicester City fans are eagerly counting down the days until this season comes to an end, as it has been nothing short of a disaster from the very beginning, hitting new lows under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
After cruising to the Championship title last season, the excitement of returning to the Premier League has quickly faded, with the Foxes now staring at the grim possibility of an immediate relegation back to the second tier.
Following their defeat to West Ham on Thursday, Leicester must overcome a five-point deficit to escape the relegation zone. With a challenging set of fixtures in March, even the most optimistic supporters are struggling to see a path to survival.
Opta’s predictions have already consigned Leicester to relegation under Van Nistelrooy, and it’s hard to argue against that forecast after the team has lost 11 of their last 12 matches.
This dismal run of form has also exposed cracks within the squad, with Jannik Vestergaard refusing to shake Van Nistelrooy’s hand after the West Ham defeat. This incident is just one example of the growing tension between the players and the manager, and there are more signs of unrest.
Brian Barry-Murphy Apologizes to Leicester Players After Training Ground Clash
Leicester appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as assistant manager in December, making him Van Nistelrooy’s second-in-command.
Barry-Murphy arrived with a strong reputation, having worked with Manchester City’s development squad and earning praise from Pep Guardiola. The 46-year-old has since become a key figure in Van Nistelrooy’s coaching staff, leading training sessions and directing play from the touchline.
However, according to The Telegraph, Barry-Murphy clashed with players during a training session he oversaw ahead of Leicester’s 4-0 defeat to Brentford. The former Manchester City coach reportedly accused some players of not following his instructions, claiming they were unclear.
To prevent further division, Barry-Murphy apologized to the squad the following day and continued preparations for the match. While the incident has been resolved, the team’s on-field performances have continued to deteriorate.
Ruud van Nistelrooy Has Lost the Leicester Dressing Room
From Vestergaard’s refusal to shake hands to Jamie Vardy’s uncharacteristically lackluster performances, it’s evident that the dressing room is no longer united behind the manager.
The losses to Brentford and West Ham made it painfully clear that the players are no longer fighting for Van Nistelrooy, a troubling sign for any team. This disconnect is hardly surprising, as the Dutchman has repeatedly shown his tactical limitations, including his baffling decision not to make any substitutions at halftime against West Ham.
Relegation now seems inevitable, and Van Nistelrooy’s departure appears equally certain. The Manchester United legend has done little to suggest he is the right man to lead Leicester back to the Premier League if they do go down.
Next up for the Foxes is a daunting trip to face Chelsea, which could result in yet another humiliating afternoon for the struggling side.
