Exclusive: 48-Year-Old has Already had Two Leicester Job ‘Interviews’

Leicester City is looking for a new manager after sacking Steve Cooper. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who impressed the hierarchy as caretaker manager at Manchester United, is a leading candidate for the King Power Stadium job, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.

Following the 2-1 loss to Chelsea, Foxes chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha made a rare visit to the dressing

room. The team now has the joint-third worst defensive record in the Premier League and is only one point above the

relegation zone. Srivaddhanaprabha will lead the managerial search alongside director of football John Rudkin.

Cooper led Leicester to four wins in 14 matches, but the team’s progress and unity were questioned. The decision to

part ways was made 24 hours after the latest setback, as the team prepares to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Former Manchester United temporary manager Van Nistelrooy and West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos

Corberan are two strong candidates for the Leicester position, according to GMS sources, while outgoing England

interim manager Lee Carsley is also being discussed behind the scenes.

Van Nistelrooy has already had job ‘interviews’ after facing the Foxes twice in his four matches in charge of the Red

Devils, and the Midlands club is said to have been impressed by the Dutchman’s game plan and how he handled his

short-term stay at Old Trafford.

Leicester want a coach who can form an instant bond with both the players and the fans, which Cooper failed to

achieve. Some squad members were observed partying at a Danish nightclub as part of a pre-approved Christmas

party excursion the night before Cooper was fired, holding a placard that read, “Enzo, I miss you”.

Sources at the King Power Stadium feel Van Nistelrooy might have the same impact as former manager Enzo

Maresca, who was well-liked by the squad. It is also believed that the 48-year-old former PSV Eindhoven manager is

eager for a Premier League opportunity and is unconcerned about the potential of the Foxes fighting to maintain

their top-flight position.

Corberan, meanwhile, was a possibility last summer and was regarded as a good stylistic fit. Leicester believed he

could build on Maresca’s system, and a new approach has not been ruled out. According to GMS sources, Corberan is

interested in the role and would be willing to quit West Brom mid-season if offered it.

According to GMS sources, Nigel Pearson is also willing to assist Leicester turn their fortunes around. The former

Foxes manager is yet to be approached and is recovering from health concerns since leaving Bristol City.

Pearson is highly regarded by Srivaddhanaprabha, despite the dramatic nature of his departure in 2015, following

the so-called ‘Great Escape’. The 61-year-old would be interested in assisting in some form following two prior stints

in the hot seat, though he has not been approached to date.

According to GMS sources, Leicester have discussed handing over the managerial reins to Graham Potter and David

Moyes, although neither is believed to be interested in the position.

Potter was set to join this summer but changed his mind at the last minute, despite being impressed by the Foxes’

ambition and facilities, which included a first-rate traini

ng complex.

Potter would have to do a big U-turn to reverse his stance, even though Leicester avoided a points deduction for

suspected profit and sustainability rule violations after successfully arguing that the Premier League lacked jurisdiction to apply one.

According to sources, Potter has not indicated to the Foxes administration that he wants the job. Moyes is also

looking for jobs after leaving West Ham United, although he is another possibility who has yet to apply for the post.

According to GMS sources, Srivaddhanaprabha substantially influenced the decision to sack Cooper, as there was a

growing notion that his departure needed to occur before the festive season in order to increase Leicester’s prospects of avoiding relegation, even though a replacement had not been lined up.

Foxes insiders are adamant that it was not a reaction to Chelsea’s defeat, as doubts about the Welshman arose early

in his reign, and his future has been a topic of discussion during both international breaks since the start of the

season due to concerns that not enough progress had been made with his style and identity.

Cooper was surprised to be fired because he believed that sitting outside the drop zone was a good start and a

foundation to build on, according to GMS sources, but there is a sense that he failed to connect with the fanbase

despite his links to rivals Nottingham Forest not being a major issue when he was hired.

GMS just revealed that Leicester are not in risk of losing goalkeeper Mads Hermansen to Chelsea midway through

the season, which will come as a benefit to Cooper’s eventual successor. Van Nistelrooy is among the contenders

interested in the leadership.

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