Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed uncertainty about his future with the club following their relegation from the Premier League, confirmed after a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on April 20. The Dutchman, who took over in November 2024, admitted he is awaiting clarity from the club’s owners as the Foxes prepare for life in the Championship.
“It needs to be sorted soon,” van Nistelrooy said in a post-match press conference. “The new season starts very soon, and preparation needs to start to move forward.” His comments reflect the precarious position he finds himself in after a dismal run of results, with Leicester securing just eight points from 20 Premier League matches under his leadership.
Leicester’s relegation marks their second drop to the Championship in three seasons, a stark contrast to their 2015-16 Premier League title triumph. Van Nistelrooy, appointed after the sacking of Steve Cooper, was tasked with steering the club away from the relegation zone. However, his tenure has been marred by a record-breaking nine consecutive home league games without scoring, a first in English top-flight history.
The 48-year-old former Manchester United striker, who signed a three-year deal with Leicester, has faced mounting pressure as the team suffered 16 defeats in 22 league matches. Despite a promising start with four points from his first two games, Leicester’s form plummeted, culminating in a season described by club legend Jamie Vardy as a “total embarrassment.”
Van Nistelrooy met with Leicester’s hierarchy, including chairman Aiyawatt ‘Khun Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, this week to discuss his future. While he is likely to remain in charge until the season’s end, sources indicate the club has already drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements, including Lee Carsley, Danny Rohl, and Russell Martin.
Financial constraints add complexity to any decision about van Nistelrooy’s position. Sacking him before June could exacerbate Leicester’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) issues, especially after payouts to Cooper and his staff in November.
Despite the challenges, van Nistelrooy remains defiant, expressing a desire to stay and rebuild the squad for a Championship promotion push. “We have to use this time to get better,” he said. “The club will continue, and it is my job to put the club in the best place possible.”