Leicester City's return to the Premier League ended in heartbreak, as the club’s relegation was confirmed last weekend. After a season plagued with inconsistency, underperformance, and poor squad depth, serious questions are now being asked — not only of the players, but also of the manager: Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Appointed during the campaign in a bold move by the board, the former Manchester United striker was seen as a fresh, high-profile face — a potential catalyst for revival. Unfortunately, his time at the King Power Stadium has not delivered results.
A Season of Missed Opportunities and Misplaced Belief
Many fans and pundits questioned Van Nistelrooy’s appointment from the outset. While his credentials as a former winner were respected, it’s becoming clear that Leicester may have needed a fighter, not a figurehead — a battler for survival, not a visionary for the long term.
With squad depth lacking and key players underperforming, the club was unable to generate any momentum. January’s transfer window came and went with no meaningful additions due to Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), leaving the Dutchman with limited tools to turn things around.
A Decision Looms: Chairman Meeting Set This Week
Van Nistelrooy has publicly admitted he is awaiting “showdown talks” with Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt 'Khun Top' Srivaddhanaprabha — and it appears those discussions will happen this week.
“Van Nistelrooy is set for crunch talks over his future next week. There is some sympathy for Van Nistelrooy in the boardroom. They recognise that many of the players have performed poorly, while their PSR issues meant they could not back him properly in the January transfer window.
Van Nistelrooy is regarded as personable, with no ego…”
— John Percy, Telegraph Sport
Though the club has not officially confirmed their decision, it's widely expected that Leicester will begin the 2025/26 Championship season with a new head coach at the helm.
Stats of Van Nistelrooy as Leicester City manager:
| Manager | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruud van Nistelrooy | 20 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 15 | 34 |
What’s Next for Leicester?
Whether or not Van Nistelrooy remains, the club faces a critical summer. A rebuild is essential — not just tactically, but mentally. The board must decide quickly if they want a new direction, or if they believe continuity gives them the best chance of bouncing back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Should the board opt for a new direction, there are already whispers about potential replacements. According to recent reports, Leicester are already eyeing alternatives.
One notable candidate is Danny Röhl, currently impressing with his fresh tactical approach and motivational style. He’s reportedly being considered as a long-term solution, especially if the board chooses to part ways with Van Nistelrooy.
Should Leicester stick with Van Nistelrooy or make a change before pre-season?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 21 Apr 2025 15:21
I feel sorry for Ruud, for a second I thought he could manage it easy. Because those 5 games at United, it was all good, at least better than what Amorim is showing right now. I would keep him, but that's more because I liked him back then when he was a striker.
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