Ruud van Nistelrooy has officially left his role as Leicester City manager, nearly ten weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League. The Championship-bound Foxes confirmed on Friday that the Dutchman’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.
Van Nistelrooy, 48, took charge in late November 2024, following a short stint as caretaker manager at Manchester United. Despite early promise, gaining four points in his first two matches, he was unable to halt Leicester’s alarming decline. The club endured 15 defeats in their final 16 games, including a dismal run of nine consecutive home losses without scoring, setting an unwanted top-flight record.
“Ruud has overseen a challenging period for the club,” read a statement from Leicester. “From his appointment in November, he approached the role with professionalism, integrity, and a clear commitment to our aims, including the integration of several promising players from our academy.”
Van Nistelrooy expressed gratitude to the club and staff, saying: “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.”
Relegated after just one season back in the top flight, Leicester joined Ipswich and Southampton, both of whom had also earned promotion in the 2023/24 season, on the way back to the Championship. The Foxes had previously shocked the world by winning the Premier League title in 2016 under Claudio Ranieri, capping a historic rise.
Van Nistelrooy had reportedly requested talks with club executives following relegation confirmation but was left in limbo for weeks, culminating in today’s departure.
Leicester now turn their attention to rebuilding, with the Championship season set to begin on August 10 against Sheffield Wednesday. The club also faces potential complications, including a looming points deduction over alleged breaches of financial regulations.
As the Foxes begin yet another chapter in the second tier, the search for a new manager is expected to commence immediately.
Written By Rodney Mbua
