Steve Cooper’s tenure as Leicester City manager appears increasingly precarious, with reports now suggesting that a player revolt could be brewing.
Appointed just a few months ago on June 20, Cooper took charge on a three-year contract after Leicester City’s former boss, Enzo Maresca, departed to join Chelsea following a successful campaign in which he guided the Foxes to the Championship title.
However, Cooper’s reign at the King Power Stadium has hardly started in a fashion that inspires confidence.
Leicester currently languish in 15th place in the Premier League table, having drawn three of their opening league fixtures—against Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, and Everton—while still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Leicester’s most recent outing, a home clash with Everton on Saturday, saw Stephy Mavididi rescue a point for the Foxes.
Mavididi’s late equaliser, bundled over the line from close range, cancelled out Iliman Ndiaye’s early goal for Everton. Despite that salvaged draw, Leicester’s performance did little to alleviate concerns about their ability to remain in the top flight this season.
This difficult start has led to growing concerns within the club, and according to reports from Football Insider, several Leicester players are said to be ‘unconvinced’ by Cooper’s methods.
The report even raises the possibility of a ‘mutiny’ within the squad if the Welshman fails to rally the team and start producing results soon.
There were apparently murmurs of discontent during pre-season, with some players reportedly dissatisfied with Cooper’s coaching sessions and his tactical approach.
These grumbles have only grown louder as Leicester’s winless streak continues, and the Foxes remain perilously close to the relegation zone.
Pressure Mounts on Cooper
Leicester’s board, it seems, are well aware of the rumblings within the squad and are believed to be monitoring the situation closely. While the notion of a managerial change may already be on the horizon, it would arguably be premature to sack Cooper at this stage.
The reality is that Leicester were always going to face a tough battle to survive in the Premier League this season. Gone are the days when the Foxes could call on the talents of players like James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, who were pivotal during their recent successful campaigns. Without such stars, it was clear from the outset that this season would be a fight for survival.
Leicester’s owners should take note of how Nottingham Forest handled a similarly difficult situation with Cooper during the 2022-23 season.
Despite numerous reports suggesting Cooper was on the verge of being sacked, Forest stuck with him, and their patience was rewarded as he eventually turned the team’s fortunes around, helping them secure their Premier League status.
Cooper was ultimately dismissed by Forest in December of the following season after a string of poor results, but his success with a struggling squad demonstrated that he can thrive in the Premier League if given time and proper backing.
Hope for Improvement
Cooper’s immediate challenge is to boost morale and gain momentum with a victory against Walsall in the League Cup, which could provide a much-needed lift for his squad.
However, the real test will come when Leicester face an in-form Arsenal side in their next league fixture. The Gunners, who are considered among the favourites for the Premier League title, will be formidable opponents at the Emirates Stadium.
But the more realistic opportunity for Cooper to secure a first league victory may come in the following game, when Bournemouth visit the King Power Stadium.
Cooper’s Record vs. Maresca’s Success
Comparisons between Cooper and his predecessor, Enzo Maresca, are perhaps inevitable.
Last season, Maresca guided Leicester through 53 matches, winning 36 of them, while drawing four and losing 13—a win ratio of 67.92%. Cooper, by contrast, has only managed six games in charge so far, winning just one (in the League Cup), drawing three, and losing two.
His win percentage currently stands at 16.67%, which is a stark difference from Maresca’s impressive record.
It should be noted, however, that Maresca’s success came in the Championship, while Cooper is attempting to keep Leicester afloat in the more competitive Premier League.
Even with this in mind, the statistical differences in their attacking play are noticeable. Maresca’s side scored 103 goals in 53 games, averaging 1.94 goals per game. Cooper’s Leicester, on the other hand, have managed 10 goals from six matches, with an average of 1.67 per game.
This figure is somewhat inflated by the four goals they put past Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup, while in the Premier League, they’ve struggled, scoring just once in four of their matches.
On the defensive side, the gap between the two managers is narrower. Maresca’s Leicester conceded 50 goals at an average of 0.94 per game, while Cooper’s Leicester have let in eight goals across their six games so far, giving them a slightly better defensive record at 0.8 goals per game.
The Road Ahead
The next few weeks could be crucial for Cooper’s future at Leicester City. If the team can string together a couple of positive results, starting with a cup win over Walsall and a strong showing against Bournemouth, it may buy the manager the time he needs to turn things around.
But with rumours of unrest in the dressing room and the threat of a relegation scrap looming, Cooper knows his time to convince the club’s hierarchy is running out.