Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy has identified two key areas that Ruud van Nistelrooy must change as the new Leicester City boss.
Van Nistelrooy watched on as Leicester were hammered 4-1 by Brentford to leave them dangerously close to the relegation zone.
It was another poor performance as the Foxes capitulated after Facundo Buonanotte’s opener.
James Justin and Wout Faes were singled out for poor performances but if truth be told, none of the players deserved praise.
The Dutchman begins work today ahead of his first game in charge against West Ham United on Tuesday and has been told what he must change immediately to win over the supporters.
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 Alex Pantling/Getty Images
MOTD pundit calls for Ruud van Nistelrooy to implement style of play change
One of the biggest criticisms Leicester faced under Steve Cooper was their lack of identity.
It was very hard to see what the Foxes were trying to do, how they were setting up and if the players knew their roles.
For Danny Murphy, it is vital that Van Nistelrooy solves this problem immediately and move away from the pragmatic style of play under Cooper, all while ensuring that they don’t leave themselves exposed at the back.
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Analysing what the Dutchman can bring to the Foxes on Match of the Day, Murphy said: “He’s got to make a decision on what style, because obviously the fans have been a little bit disgruntled with Steve Cooper’s pragmatism. But they can’t play too open because we saw what happened today.
They’ve got some half-decent fixtures coming up. Four home games in the next six is not a bad start for him. I’m excited to see what he can do.
“He’s got a hell of a job. I think the first thing is about trying to build some confidence and getting the lads enjoying their football again.”
What is Ruud van Nistelrooy’s style of play?
As per Total Football Analysis, Van Nistelrooy is a fluid manager who is happy to change up styles to give his side an advantage against their opponent.
He often starts in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation, defending narrowly and remaining compact.
When in charge of PSV, his teams would often press up the pitch, high and wide.
In possession, fans will become accustomed to a style that replicates the same philosophy Enzo Maresca introduced to the club.
Retaining the ball and recycling it to create chances will be paramount – a style that compliments some of the team’s most important players such as Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard.
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