Leicester City have officially parted ways with head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, bringing an end to a turbulent tenure that lasted just 210 days. The Dutchman’s departure was confirmed on June 27, 2025, more than nine weeks after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League, marking a pivotal moment as the club prepares to rebuild for their second Championship campaign in three years.
Van Nistelrooy took over the reins in November 2024, replacing Steve Cooper amid a difficult season. At that point, Leicester sat 16th in the Premier League table, just a single point above the relegation zone. Despite a promising start that included a victory over West Ham on December 3, 2024, the club’s fortunes quickly declined. By Christmas, they had slipped into the relegation zone and, apart from a brief reprieve following a late January win against Tottenham, the Foxes spent the final five months of the campaign entrenched in the bottom three.
Ultimately, Leicester finished 18th, a full 13 points adrift of safety, with only six league wins all season. This disappointing run culminated in a historic low: Leicester became the first team in English top-flight history to lose nine consecutive home league games without scoring a single goal. The 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on April 20, 2025, sealed their relegation with five matches still to play.
Van Nistelrooy’s record at Leicester was sobering. Over 27 matches in charge, he managed just five wins against 19 defeats. The club’s struggles extended beyond results, as financial constraints hindered squad strengthening. The manager was promised three new signings during the January transfer window but was only able to bring in one recruit, full-back Woyo Coulibaly from Parma, due to the club’s tightening purse strings.
Van Nistelrooy also faced challenges within the squad’s dynamics. Reports emerged of resistance from some players over training standards, with the Dutchman excluding Harry Winks and Jannik Vestergaard from his plans after they refused to stay overnight at the training ground once a week. Despite these hurdles, Van Nistelrooy sought to inject fresh talent by integrating several promising academy players into the first team, including 15-year-old winger Jeremy Monga, who recently signed a new contract thanks in part to the pathway the manager created.
Throughout his tenure, Van Nistelrooy maintained professionalism and dedication. In a statement, he said: “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future.”
The club echoed these sentiments in their own statement, highlighting Van Nistelrooy’s integrity and commitment during a challenging period, especially his work promoting youth talent. “Ruud moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the football club for his dedication and hard work, and with our very best wishes for the future,” the club added.
Despite Van Nistelrooy’s efforts, criticism has been harsh, particularly regarding the drawn-out nature of his exit. Former Foxes striker Matt Fryatt described the timing as “baffling” and “a mess,” pointing to the club’s lack of clarity and communication since relegation was confirmed. BBC Radio Leicester commentator Owynn Palmer-Atkin noted that while the decision to part ways was expected, the delay—coming over a month after the season ended and nearly two months after relegation—has left fans questioning the club’s management.
Leicester City now face a daunting future. The club is bracing for a potential points deduction in the Championship due to alleged breaches of the English Football League’s financial rules. This comes amid ongoing financial issues involving the club’s owners, King Power, who are embroiled in difficulties in Thailand. The Foxes’ off-field struggles threaten to compound the challenges on the pitch.
As the club prepares to embark on their 2025/26 Championship campaign, the search for a new manager is underway. Former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche had been heavily linked with the role, but recent sources have dismissed his appointment as unlikely. Instead, Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Röhl has emerged as a possible target, though concerns remain over the compensation required to secure him from their Championship rivals.
In the meantime, Leicester’s first-team coaching staff will oversee preseason training, with the squad returning to preparations shortly. The Foxes will kick off their Championship season at home against Sheffield Wednesday on August 10, 2025, a fixture that will set the tone for what promises to be a critical campaign.
The club’s recent history underscores the urgency of getting the next managerial appointment right. Since winning the Championship title in 2023-24 under Enzo Maresca, who left for Chelsea, Leicester have cycled through three managers in 12 months, a period marked by instability and poor results. Van Nistelrooy’s appointment was initially met with cautious optimism given his interim success at Manchester United, but the leap to managing a Premier League relegation battle proved a steep learning curve.
Van Nistelrooy leaves Leicester with a mixed legacy. While his tenure was marked by disappointing results and historic lows, his professionalism, commitment to youth development, and integrity have been acknowledged by the club and supporters alike. He was candid about the difficulties he faced, including a poorly balanced squad and limited transfer activity, factors that hampered his ability to turn the tide.
As Leicester City look ahead, their focus must be on stabilizing both on and off the pitch. With financial uncertainties looming and a points deduction a real possibility, the upcoming Championship campaign will test the club’s resilience and management acumen. The Foxes’ fans, still reeling from relegation and managerial upheaval, will be hoping for a clear vision and decisive leadership to guide their team back to the Premier League.
