Leicester City have confirmed the departure of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy by mutual agreement, more than nine weeks after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was sealed.
The 48-year-old Dutchman’s exit follows a difficult season in which he managed just five wins from 27 matches after his appointment in early December. The Foxes’ relegation was confirmed with five games still to play, and they ultimately finished in 18th place, 13 points from safety.
In a statement, Van Nistelrooy 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,” adding that he wished the club well for the future.
Van Nistelrooy took charge when Leicester were 16th in the table, one point above the relegation places. Despite a win in his first match against West Ham, the team’s form declined sharply. The campaign included a record-setting run where Leicester became the first team in English top-flight history to lose nine consecutive home games without scoring a single goal.
The former Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven manager was the third man to lead the team in a turbulent season. Steve Cooper began the campaign, replacing Enzo Maresca who had left for Chelsea after winning the 2023-24 Championship title. Cooper was dismissed with the club struggling, and Van Nistelrooy was appointed.
The club now begins its search for a new manager to lead their efforts for promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship. First-team coaching staff will oversee the start of pre-season training, with the new campaign set to begin against Sheffield Wednesday on August 10. Former Everton and Burnley manager Sean Dyche has been heavily linked with the vacancy.
Leicester’s preparations for their second season in the Championship in three years are further complicated by a potential points deduction after being charged with an alleged breach of the English Football League’s financial rules.
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