Did Leicester Say Goodbye to Coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Leicester City has parted ways with head coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
- His tenure included only five wins in 27 matches.
- The club finished in 18th place, leading to relegation.
- Van Nistelrooy expressed gratitude to players and fans in his farewell.
- Leicester City now seeks a new direction for the future.
Leicester City has officially confirmed that head coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy has departed the club by mutual agreement following a disappointing season that saw them relegated to the second division after finishing in 18th place.
The Dutch coach took charge of Leicester in November after the dismissal of Steve Cooper, leading the team through 27 matches that yielded less than satisfactory results.
“I sincerely thank the players, coaches, academy members, and all the staff for their professionalism and dedication during my tenure, and I appreciate the fans for their unwavering support. I wish the club all the best for the future,” stated Nistelrooy.
After joining Manchester United's coaching staff as an assistant to Erik Ten Hag in June 2024, he briefly stepped in as interim head coach after Ten Hag's exit. Under his guidance, the team remained unbeaten for four games, a notable feat considering they were positioned 14th when he took over.
Following the arrival of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, Van Nistelrooy transitioned to manage Leicester City, where he faced the challenge of the team’s relegation from the Premier League.
His stint began in November, culminating in a record of 19 defeats and only five victories across 27 matches, which included a streak of nine consecutive home losses.
“Ruud has navigated a difficult period for the club. His appointment in November 2024 was marked by professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to our goals, including the integration of promising academy players into the first team,” the club's statement read.
“Ruud leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone at the Football Club for his dedication and hard work, along with our best wishes for his future endeavors.”