RUUD VAN NISTELROOY stepped into his role as Leicester City’s new manager last night, taking over after Steve Cooper’s exit.
To create a meaningful impact at the King Power Stadium, he must confront the challenges he has inherited rather than ignoring them.
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Credit: Getty
Here are five key challenges that Van Nistelrooy must address to rejuvenate the Foxes and prevent a rude awakening in his inaugural full-time managerial role in the Premier League.
TACKLE A TOXIC DRESSING ROOM
A recent incident at a nightclub in Copenhagen has caused embarrassment for the club, its management, and its supporters.
This situation should act as a wake-up call for the involved players.
Though they may have shown public support for Enzo Maresca, suggesting they wish for his return, it points to a more profound issue.
If their behavior was meant to be a jab at their former manager, Steve Cooper, it has backfired enormously.
They must remember that Maresca left them at the first opportunity, casting doubt on their loyalty.
Owner Top Srivaddhanaprabha should have sent a clear message during the extended talks on Tuesday about the club’s future.
Van Nistelrooy is recognized for his stringent policies; he effectively managed player dissent at PSV, despite a successful start.
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His legendary playing career will earn him immediate respect, but that admiration may quickly wane if the squad turns against him, longing for Maresca’s return!
It is crucial for Van Nistelrooy to cultivate a positive atmosphere within the dressing room for Lester to thrive.
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Credit: ekstrabladet.dk
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Credit: ekstrabladet.dk
Leicester players were spotted celebrating at a nightclub next to a sign that read ‘Enzo, I miss you,’ just hours after their loss to Chelsea and the dismissal of Cooper.
REPAIR A LEAKY DEFENSE
Effective coaches focus on establishing a robust defense.
As any architect would suggest, a building without a solid foundation is destined to collapse.
Leicester has managed to score in all but one of their Premier League matches this season, matching the scoring prowess of high-flying Nottingham Forest.
However, they have managed only one clean sheet, with Wolves and the bottom-placed Southampton having conceded more goals than Leicester’s total of 23.
Cooper acknowledged this shortcoming and sought to bring in an experienced goalkeeper in January.
He praised his former club Nottingham Forest for securing dependable Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic over the summer.
Caleb Okoli shows potential but is still in the development phase.
Jannick Vestergaard, known in the Championship, has yet to prove himself in the Premier League.
Conversely, Conor Coady is better suited to a setup using three center-backs.
Van Nistelrooy needs to swiftly identify a reliable partner for Belgian international Wout Faes.
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Credit: Getty
FIND A LONG-TERM SUCCESSOR FOR JAMIE VARDY
At 37 years old, Jamie Vardy remains Leicester’s primary striker, presenting a conundrum.
While he is enjoying a renaissance, he can’t bear the weight of the team forever and should realistically reduce his burden to allow younger players to grow.
Regrettably for Leicester fans, there is currently no clear successor ready to fill Vardy’s shoes.
Steve Cooper acquired Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Eduard, but neither of them presents a long-term option.
The Foxes are at the bottom of the Premier League in terms of shots on target and have the second-lowest expected goals tally.
Injuries to pivotal winger Abdul Fatawu, who is out for the entire season due to an ACL injury, have severely hindered their development.
For Van Nistelrooy to thrive at Leicester, he must find his younger counterpart!
Who better to discover that than himself?
