Leicester City’s return to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Liverpool at the King Power Stadium, marking their second relegation in three seasons. Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took charge in late November 2024, expressed disappointment, admitting he had anticipated a stronger points haul to keep the Foxes in the top flight.
Van Nistelrooy, speaking post-match, reflected on his tenure: âI expected to bring more points to the table. There were some very good performances but not with any points. There were also performances where we didnât perform to our capabilities, losing games in the first half. It was a mixture. I expected to bring more points.â
The Dutchman, who replaced Steve Cooper after a brief stint as Manchester Unitedâs interim boss, oversaw a dismal run, securing just eight points from 20 Premier League matches. Leicesterâs slide was stark, with the team sitting 19th, 12 points adrift of safety with only six games remaining before their fate was sealed. Their home form was particularly woeful, setting an unwanted Premier League record for nine consecutive home games without scoring, a drought spanning over five months.
Leicesterâs struggles were compounded by financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which limited Van Nistelrooy to just one January signing, Woyo Coulibaly. âIn the winter window, there wasnât anything possible to strengthen, and thatâs what the team really needed,â he noted, highlighting the squadâs lack of depth compared to relegation rivals who bolstered their ranks.
Despite a spirited 2-2 draw against Brighton recently, which ended an eight-match losing streak, Leicesterâs relegation was all but inevitable. Van Nistelrooy, however, remained focused on the future, urging the club to act swiftly in planning for the Championship. âThe club has to use this time, otherwise you will waste it,â he said, emphasizing the need for âalignmentâ with chairman Aiyawatt âTopâ Srivaddhanaprabha and director of football Jon Rudkin.
Fan frustration has been palpable, with protests targeting the clubâs hierarchy and a growing disconnect between supporters and players. Van Nistelrooy faced criticism after clashes with players like Facundo Buonanotte and decisions to stick with underperforming veterans like Jannik Vestergaard. Some fans booed the manager following a 2-0 loss to Fulham in January, and dressing-room tensions surfaced.
Yet, there are voices advocating for patience. Former player Lee Hendrie argued that Van Nistelrooy inherited a squad ill-equipped for Premier League survival. âI certainly wouldnât judge him on whatâs happened at Leicester this season because I just donât think the squad was anywhere near strong enough,â Hendrie told Football League World. He suggested Van Nistelrooy deserves a chance to oversee a squad overhaul in the Championship.
Leicesterâs relegation brings financial implications, with potential wage cuts and player sales looming to offset the loss of Premier League revenue. Key assets like goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi may attract interest, while the club faces uncertainty over a possible Financial Fair Play charge from the EFL.
Van Nistelrooy, contracted until 2027, insists heâs committed to Leicesterâs revival but awaits clarity from the board. âIâm focused on doing the best things for the football club, the future, and next season,â he said. However, with 16 losses in his last 18 games, his position is under scrutiny, and the club must decide whether heâs the right man to lead their Championship campaign.