Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to inherit a host of challenges as he prepares to take over as Leicester City manager.
The former Manchester United striker is expected to be confirmed as Steve Cooper’s successor imminently after Cooper was sacked following a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
With Leicester languishing just one point above the relegation zone and facing issues both on and off the pitch, van Nistelrooy will need to hit the ground running to steady the ship.
The Foxes have managed just two league wins this season, leaving them perilously close to the drop. While fans hope the Dutchman can revive their fortunes, former professionals and analysts have already warned van Nistelrooy about the challenges that await him.
Chris Sutton issues player warning
BBC pundit Chris Sutton has voiced his concerns about the Leicester dressing room, labelling the players “entitled” and suggesting they played a significant role in Cooper’s downfall.
“I think the Leicester players are an entitled group of players who possibly played a large part in Cooper getting the sack,” Sutton said. “It is a really difficult job for [van Nistelrooy] to go into.
“At the start of the season, it would have always been about Leicester just staying in the Premier League. Maybe their expectations are higher.”
Van Nistelrooy will need to assert his authority to gain the respect of a squad that has been criticised for its lack of discipline and professionalism.
Sponsorship issues add to the turmoil
Leicester’s problems extend beyond the pitch. The club is embroiled in controversy surrounding their shirt sponsor, BC.Game, which is facing legal troubles in Curacao. Leicester released a statement attempting to reassure fans, saying:
“We have been and continue to be in regular discussions with BC.Game with regard to an active legal case in Curacao. BC.Game have provided the Club with the strongest assurances that they are actively appealing this case, and that the process which has been initiated in Curacao is administrative in nature and has not arisen due to any concerns with their financial standing.”
However, former Aston Villa and Everton CEO Keith Wyness has warned the club may need to find a new sponsor, potentially at a reduced price.
Speaking on The Inside Track podcast, Wyness said: “They’ve reassured Leicester and everybody that the sponsorship will be fine… But it’s a big number, and it would be a big blow if Leicester lost out.
“They could try and pick up a new sponsor if it goes wrong. There will always be interest because of the eyeballs the Premier League has. But it would be at a fire sale price. That isn’t going to help with the PSR situation.”
Financial strain and PSR compliance
Leicester’s financial struggles are exacerbated by concerns over the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club narrowly avoided a points deduction earlier this season after winning an appeal, but the issue is far from resolved.
Finance expert Adam Williams previously highlighted the precarious situation, stating, “Leicester had to generate huge profit from player sales to meet the EFL’s PSR threshold, which is lower than the Premier League’s.”
Should BC.Game’s sponsorship deal collapse, Leicester may be forced to sell key players to comply with financial regulations, putting further strain on van Nistelrooy’s ability to rebuild the team.
With these challenges in mind, the Dutchman’s tenure at Leicester promises to be anything but straightforward. He faces an uphill battle to stabilise the club on all fronts, from securing Premier League survival to addressing off-field turbulence.
