Ruud van Nistelrooy hints at Leicester exit after Newcastle loss: ‘Sleep on it’
Ruud van Nistelrooy has hinted that he may be leaving Leicester soon after a “very disappointing” spell in charge.
The Dutch manager was brought in to replace Steve Cooper with the Foxes sat 16th in the Premier League table, but playing a style of football Leicester players were opposed to.
With a desire to improve not only the spectacle on offer, but also the results, Van Nistelrooy was brought in to replace the Englishman, following a spell as caretaker boss of Man United.
What has followed has been some of the most dismal football in recent Premier League history, with the Foxes losing 13 of their last 14 games whilst also failing to score in the league since 26 January.
He saw his side wave Newcastle through inside three minutes at the King Power on the way to a limp 3-0 defeat, as Jacob Murphy scored the first of two goals, before former Foxes star Harvey Barnes added a third before half time.
Ruud van Nistelrooy gives evasive answer when asked about Leicester future
In a post-match interview on Sky Sports Main Event, the current Leicester boss was asked about his future at the club, with the Dutch manager saying (10.35pm):”Of course it’s difficult. You come here to do well and work together with great people here at the club and the players, and of course when you can’t get results that is very disappointing.
“The intent has always been there to bring the club further. The club is the most important thing, and what’s best for the club you always have to consider and that’s I think the place where we are now.
“This is a difficult night, especially also in the run of form that we’re in. It’s important to analyse this, and sleep on it, and recover from it and that’s it for now.”
Pressed on his comments about sleeping on it, Van Nistelrooy said: “No, there’s no questions, it’s just dealing with this set back, another one, and that’s for now what I can say.”
Leicester concerns build as club headed for life back in the Championship
Football Insider Verdict
Whilst relegation seems a certainty at this point, the person in charge of resurrecting Leicester in the Championship remains shrouded in uncertainty.
If Southampton‘s sacking of Ivan Juric is anything to go by, Van Nistelrooy likely has until the Foxes are mathematically relegated before he is out of a job.
| Match stats | Leicester | Newcastle |
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots (on target) | 7 (2) | 16 (5) |
| Expected goals | 0.47 | 3.26 |
| Big chances (missed) | 0 (0) | 4 (1) |
| Corners | 12 | 2 |
However, whilst all seems miserable in Leicester, the thinnest of silver-linings is the club now have plenty of time to figure out who will take charge next season at the King Power.
Ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche is on the market, which would be ironic, given the comparable style of football his sides play to Van Nistelrooy’s predecessor, Cooper. Whilst Gary O’Neil and Lee Carsley both feature highly in the bookies odds.
Whoever is tasked with leading Leicester in the Championship next season will have a talented squad to work with, but the challenge will be lifting a side bereft of confidence and the Foxes would do well to appoint a proven coach into the role.