The Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, credited with a successful interim in November on the Manchester United bench, has been appointed coach of promoted Leicester, the current 16th in the Premier League announced on Friday evening.
The former Manchester and Real Madrid striker has signed a contract until June 2027 with Leicester where he succeeds Steve Cooper, who was dismissed on Sunday. “I’m proud, I’m enthusiastic. Everyone I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic,” said Van Nistelrooy, quoted in a club press release.
The 48-year-old manager will take up his duties on Sunday after attending Leicester’s match against Brentford the day before (4 p.m.) and will experience his first match on the bench on Tuesday against West Ham. The “Foxes”, beaten six times in twelve matches, are only one point ahead of the first relegated team.
Van Nistelrooy is preparing to take on the role of head coach for only the second time, after a 2022-23 season spent on the bench at PSV Eindhoven. The Dutchman, however, enhanced his CV by leading a successful interim at Manchester United after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, of whom he was assistant.
While waiting for the arrival of Ruben Amorim, he recorded three victories and a draw in four matches. Two of these successes were also obtained at the expense of Leicester, in the League Cup (5-2) and in the championship (3-0).
