'An incredible man, but that doesn't make you a great manager'
Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester's 'When You're Smiling' podcast, Stowell said he believes the Dutch boss was more of a friend than a coach to players.
He said: "It feels different this season. It was almost doomed to fail early on, and just the manner in which they've gone down is disappointing.
"Two years ago under Brendan Rodgers, that was a shock to end up going down. I wouldn't say there was inevitability about this team going down though.
"Who knows what would have happened if we didn't sack Steve Cooper. For me, he came with baggage but that shouldn't be the case.
"There was no reason for me to think Leicester were going down and they had to sack Cooper.
"I've met Ruud van Nistelrooy and he's a lovely bloke. But I get the feeling he was the players' friend rather than the players' coach.
"I feel they needed someone in there that would drive them rather than befriend them.
"He is an incredible man, but that doesn't make you a great manager."
Listen to the full podcast here
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