Leicester City and Brentford faced off in a 3pm Premier League meeting on Saturday afternoon.
The Foxes headed into the match looking to impress their new manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was spotted with the Leicester City owner ahead of kick-off against Brentford before taking his place in the stands to watch his new side in action.
With the Dutchman not in the dugout, Leicester were led by coach Ben Dawson on the afternoon, who made some big calls.
Leicester reverted to a back-five – something they have not done an awful lot in 2024/25 so far.
As for the players selected, Conor Coady and Luke Thomas were given rare starts with Bilal El Khannouss dropped and Harry Winks still missing due to injury.
The game got off to a mixed start for Leicester but they did take the lead.
Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy ahead of the Premier League match between Brentford and Leicester City at Gtech Community Stadium on Nov...
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
How Ruud van Nistelrooy reacted to Facundo Buonanotte goal vs Brentford
Brentford had the better of the opening exchanges but it was the away side who went in front after 21 minutes.
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Jamie Vardy wrestled with a Brentford defender but the striker was able to find Facundo Buonanotte as he was falling to the ground, with the Argentine having a simple tap-in.
Buonotte now has four goals this season and the Van Nistelrooy-era looked to be off to a superb start.
However, watching the game live on ESPN, I saw the camera cut straight to the new Leicester boss and his reaction was telling.
Rather than celebrating alongside the club’s owner, Ruud was straight-faced and deep in conversation, clearly well aware one goal would not solve all Leicester’s problems.
Van Nistelrooy was right not to get carried away as just nine minutes after Buoantte scored, Brentford had already established a 2-1 lead.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manager of Leicester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Leicester City FC at Gtech Comm...
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Despite conceding two goals in quick succession on Saturday, Van Nistelory is still excited to work with the Leicester players.
He said: “If you look at the squad there’s some exciting talent there you know.
“In all lines of play, defence, midfield and attack so of course, the excitement is there. When you have the ball and we create a lot of chances and you go for the win that’s in every game is the goal of course.”
However, the first half against Thomas Frank’s players showed there is a lot of work for the new boss to get one with next week.
Leicester’s defensive record is the biggest concern right now, with a change to a back-five doing nothing to solve the issue.
The Foxes return to action on Tuesday, December 3rd, against West Ham United.
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