Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new head coach, with the former Dutch international striker signing a contract that will run until June 2027. The 48-year-old takes over from Steve Cooper, who was dismissed earlier this season, and will look to steer the Foxes clear of relegation, with the club currently just two points above the Premier League drop zone.
Van Nistelrooy brings with him a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach, having enjoyed a glittering career at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. As a striker, he made a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and Real Madrid, scoring 349 goals at club level and adding 35 goals for the Netherlands. His sharp instincts in front of goal, technical skill, and leadership on and off the pitch earned him a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best-ever strikers.
Following his playing career, van Nistelrooy transitioned into management, most recently serving as interim manager at Manchester United, where he oversaw a run of three wins and a draw. He has also enjoyed success as head coach of PSV Eindhoven, guiding the club to the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield in 2022. His coaching journey began in 2013 with PSV’s youth teams before moving on to manage the senior side and also gaining valuable experience as assistant coach to the Netherlands national team.
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Van Nistelrooy is expected to arrive in the UK in time to be present for Leicester’s Premier League trip to Brentford on Saturday, with his first full day in charge set for Sunday. His first competitive match as Leicester manager will be on Tuesday, when the Foxes host West Ham United at King Power Stadium.
Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha expressed his excitement at the appointment, praising van Nistelrooy’s experience and leadership qualities. “It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City,” Srivaddhanaprabha said. “He joins a club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together.”
Speaking to LCFC.com, van Nistelrooy shared his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters, and of course, the recent history of the Club is impressive. I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.”
Leicester will be hoping that van Nistelrooy’s winning mentality and managerial experience will prove the catalyst for a turnaround in their fortunes. With the team currently in a precarious position, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for the club’s Premier League survival hopes.
The Foxes’ next match sees them face West Ham United at home on Tuesday, with fans eager to see their new manager in action for the first time.
