Gary Lineker attributed some of Leicester City’s woes to the running of the club with Alan Shearer suggesting “surgery” of the squad is required for survival.
During Sunday’s error-strewn 3-0 defeat to Wolves, fans again called for director of football Jon Rudkin to leave the club, as they did in the 4-1 loss at Brentford last month. Rudkin has long been a target of anger from the stands and club icon Lineker has said he feels the club’s problems are as much off-field as they are on the pitch.
The Match of the Day presenter pointed to the summer of 2022, when Brendan Rodgers didn’t get the squad refresh he wanted, having not been backed by the club. However, City’s inability to recruit that summer was in part because of the spending spree the previous year, when no key player was sold to rake in cash.
However, a breakdown in communication meant Rodgers was not informed that signings weren’t possible until the summer transfer window had already begun. Lineker feels that period saw City lose an “elite coach”, with the club relegated that term.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “From a couple I’ve spoken to who were at the game, Leicester were dreadful in the first half. Leicester’s problems are deep. We’re all very glum as Leicester fans.
“There were chants of ‘Rudkin out’. He’s the director of football. I think most Leicester fans think he’s the problem. Leicester’s problems are as much off field. You can blame coaches and managers all you want, but if the club’s not being run well, then it’s very difficult.
“It’s a tough job for him (Ruud van Nistelrooy). I remember when Brendan Rodgers, a few years ago, after that really successful run, he said ‘we need a refresh’ and he wasn’t backed at that point, with Rudkin.
“Then they end up blaming Rodgers and that’s an elite coach we had there. Fans always turn on the coach first, but they’re not doing that this time. We’ll see what transpires.”
Former Newcastle and England striker Shearer said van Nistelrooy’s early successes as City manager did not change his opinion on their prospects this season. He simply thinks the squad isn’t good enough.
“I’ve not changed my mind from the day he (van Nistelrooy) was appointed even though they got a couple of decent results,” Shearer said. “I was still of the opinion that it was a massive gamble for him to take on because I think there’s so much surgery they need there. I don’t think they’re a very good team at all.”
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