Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper, the club confirmed in a statement released on Sunday titled, “Leicester City Part Company With Steve Cooper.”
The announcement comes after the Foxes suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, extending their dismal start to the Premier League campaign.
Leicester’s domestic form has been underwhelming, with only two wins, four draws, and six losses in 12 matches.
The team currently sits precariously in 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone, prompting the club’s decision to act swiftly.
Cooper, who joined Leicester on a three-year deal in June 2024, was expected to build on the team’s promotion-winning campaign under previous manager Enzo Maresca.
Maresca, now Chelsea’s head coach, led the Foxes to the Championship title before leaving for Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Despite high expectations, Cooper struggled to make an impact, with Leicester enduring a five-game winless run across all competitions before his dismissal.
His inability to galvanise the squad and deliver consistent results ultimately sealed his fate.
Leicester City will now turn their attention to finding a replacement capable of steering the club to safety and stabilising their Premier League campaign.
The Incident That Sealed Cooper’s Fate
According to The Telegraph, Cooper reportedly banished Leicester defender Jannik Vestergaard from a training session last week.
The Danish international was subsequently left out of the matchday squad against Chelsea. The decision echoes a similar incident during Cooper’s final months at Nottingham Forest, where he had a high-profile falling out with then-captain Joe Worrall.
Worrall’s clash with Cooper reportedly occurred after the defender expressed frustration at being benched for a key match against Aston Villa.
The disagreement saw Worrall excluded from the squad entirely, a move that raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. He did not feature again until Cooper’s successor, Nuno Espírito Santo, reinstated him.
The Challenges Ahead for Cooper
Cooper’s abrupt exit from Leicester raises questions about his managerial style. While his EFL record is exceptional—proving himself as a promotion specialist—his Premier League tenures have been less convincing.
Some might argue 12 matches weren’t enough for him to implement his philosophy at Leicester, but his reputation may take a hit with reports of dressing room discontent.
There’s no doubt Cooper’s skills will appeal to ambitious Championship clubs seeking a manager capable of delivering promotion.
But his apparent handling of key players, such as Worrall and now Vestergaard, suggests he may need to refine his approach to dealing with dressing room tensions.
