What's next for Leicester City? Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Leicester City agree to part ways
Leicester City football club and Ruud van Nistelrooy have mutually agreed to part ways.
The legendary Dutch striker joined Leicester City in November 2024 following the dismissal of Steve Cooper. He came after a short stint as Manchester United interim boss.
During his tenure, Leicester City were relegated, finishing 18th with 25 points- their worst ever record in a Premier League season.
Ruud said: "I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future".
Leicester City said preparation for the Championship season will continue with the start of pre-season on Monday 30 June.
First Team coaching staff will be in charge until a new manager is appointed. The club have not provided further comment.
How did Leicester perform under van Nistelrooy?
Undeniably, times have been tough for Leicester. During van Nistelrooy's time at the club, they finished with just five wins in 27 matches.
For fans and many looking at the club from the outside, this departure felt somewhat inevitable.
Relegation looked certain for Leicester from Christmas onward, and it was confirmed with five games to go.
Ruud started his campaign well, with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on the 3rd December. But the Foxes would not win a game again until the 26 January, a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
That game featured trademark Jamie Vardy showmanship. Something fans will miss maybe more than anything else next season, with his confirmation that after 13 years he will be leaving the club.
Vardy stuck with Leicester through the good and the bad, and it is obvious that last season was such a difference to the seasons past.
What next for the club?
It was only ten years ago that the club were lifting the Premier League title. But now they will have to rebuild in the Championship for the second time in three seasons. This time, they face the threat of a points deduction for breaking financial fair play rules.
Along with Jamie Vardy. some other big names have been linked away from the club. Including Wilfred Ndidi and maybe the best player from last years dreadful campaign- Bilal El Khannouss.
But what can give fans hope is their last Championship campaign. Despite a blip in form over the festive period, the Foxes topped the Championship with 97 points. There's a chance that they could very much do the same again.
Who will be the next manager?
Sean Dyche is the bookies favourite for the job. He has had success getting Burnley up and keeping them there.
Other names being mentioned are Gary O'Neil, Danny Rohl, Michael Carrick and Liam Rosenoir. All have pedigree of managing in the Premier League or Championship.
But the concern for whoever takes charge is that the club may not have the sufficient funds to invest in players to get them back up. There has been speculation that the King Power group, who run Leicester, are in financial trouble.
The new boss will have to contend with all of that.
It is the textbook 'make or break' season coming up for Leicester. Their first match is at home to Sheffield Wednesday on the 10th August.
And fans will be hoping that whoever is in charge then can take them back to where they belong.
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