Exclusive: Van Nistelrooy unhappy at Jamie Vardy's 'huge Leicester influence'

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Published on:

04 Mar 2025, 10:30 am

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is unhappy with the "huge" influence of captain Jamie Vardy, sources have told Football Insider.

The Foxes legend, 38, has the ear of Leicester owner Aiyawatt "Top" Srivaddhanaprabha and sources say he "listens to Vardy more than Van Nistelrooy".

The English veteran's power is an issue for the Dutch boss as well as director of football Jon Rudkin, who is being squeezed out at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester are 19th in the Premier League and are facing relegation back to the Championship after winning the second tier last term.

Van Nistelrooy and Rudkin unhappy with Vardy's power at Leicester

Vardy has been with the Foxes since 2012 and has won the Premier League and FA Cup with the club in a more successful period for the Midlands club.

He remains a key man for Van Nistelrooy's side and has hit eight goals and notched three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this term.

Appearances	490
Goals	198
Assists	69
Honours	1x Premier League 1x FA Cup 1x Community Shield 2x Championship 1x Premier League Golden Boot 1x Premier League Player of the Year

Vardy's stats with Leicester (2012-present)

Vardy's contract at Leicester is set to expire at the end of this season after he signed a one-year extension following promotion in the 2023-24 campaign.

He is third on the all-time list at Leicester for most appearances (487) and most goals (198).

Vardy "has the ear" of Leicester owner Aiyawatt "Top" Srivaddhanaprabha. (Credit: Getty Images)

Van Nistelrooy sack update from Leicester

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 March) that Leicester are not currently planning a managerial change as sack pressure grows for current boss Van Nistelrooy.

The 48-year-old replaced Steve Cooper in December but has struggled to stave off the threat of relegation.

Van Nistelrooy’s side now face Chelsea, Man United and Man City in their next three Premier League fixtures as the end of the 2024-25 campaign draws closer.

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