Leicester City have had quite the turbulent start to the season.
The Foxes have won two of their opening 13 Premier League games but still remain outside of the relegation zone in 16th – one point clear of the bottom three.
Defeat against West Ham United could see the Foxes fall into the drop zone should other results go their way but a new lease of life has been breathed into them following the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager.
Van Nistelrooy’s appointment was confirmed by Leicester last week and the 48-year-old will take charge for the first time on Tuesday.
It’s early days for the new Leicester boss, but it seems like he’s already making an impact.
Leicester City unveil their new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on November 29, 2024 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Leicester City players ‘excited’ by Van Nistelrooy appointment
What Leicester fans can expect under Van Nistelrooy is a different style to what they saw under Steve Cooper.
One of the most glaring observations from Leicester fans during Cooper’s time in charge was that the players clearly didn’t buy into his style of play and his man management off it.
MORE LEICESTER STORIES
That was evident when several Leicester players were spotted partying in Copenhagen hours before Cooper’s sacking, where a sign saying: “Enzo, I miss you” was spotted.
According to The Athletic, Van Nistelrooy’s appointment has gone down well in the dressing room after the Dutchman vowed to bring a style similar to Enzo Maresca’s.
Van Nistelrooy spoke to Maresca before taking the Leicester job and during his press conference on Monday, confirmed that possession would form a large basis of the Foxes’ identity.
Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals how he will motivate Leicester City stars
Watching on from the stands at the Gtech Community Stadium last weekend, there will be plenty Van Nistelrooy wouldn’t have enjoyed watching as Leicester were thumped by Brentford.
The Foxes are winless in five Premier League games and morale has looked low in recent weeks but, with a new manager at the helm, smiles are back on the faces of the players and Van Nistelrooy has explained that changes have been made to ensure spirits remain high.
He said: “I had a meeting with the players and it was the first thing to address. The situation we’re in, the challenge we face and what’s necessary to get out. The results over the last weeks, it’s about reacting. We need clarity in how we’re going to do things.
“Of course in two days it’s difficult to make too many changes, but as a staff we have started to make changes on how we want things.
“Little by little it’s time to build a foundation of a highly-motivated, fit team that can compete in this difficult league.”
Related Posts