Leicester City Part Ways with Manager Steve Cooper Following Chelsea Defeat
Leicester City have dismissed manager Steve Cooper after a challenging start to the Premier League season, with the club currently 16th in
the standings following 12 matches. The Foxes suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, a result that left them just two points above the relegation zone.
Cooper, who took charge in the summer after Enzo Maresca’s departure, was tasked with guiding Leicester back to Premier League
stability after the Italian’s success in securing promotion by winning the 2023-24 Championship title. However, the club has
struggled under his leadership, recording six defeats in the top flight this season. A statement from Leicester City confirmed that first-team
coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, will oversee training while the club begins its search for a new manager. The process is expected to be completed as soon as possible. Additionally, assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach and analyst Steve Rands have also left the club.
Cooper, who previously managed Nottingham Forest, was critical of referee Andrew Madley’s performance after the Chelsea loss, commenting on the tough challenge of the season but expressing belief that the team could perform better. “I believe we can do better, so that’s got to come in the performances to get the results,” he said in a post-match interview.
Cooper’s dismissal marks the second managerial change in the Premier League this season, following Erik ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United in October.
Potential Replacements:
Former Leicester goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer suggested that ex-Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter could be a strong contender for the role. Potter, who was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after a difficult spell, had previously held talks with Leicester before Cooper’s appointment.
“Would he be interested in taking on a team and club like Leicester? Why not? I think he would do a fantastic job,” said Schwarzer. Other potential candidates include former West Ham manager David Moyes and Ruud van Nistelrooy, who recently left Manchester United after a brief interim stint following Ten Hag’s exit.
Schwarzer praised Moyes’ strong managerial record, noting his ability to steady clubs during difficult times, while highlighting Potter as the ideal fit for Leicester’s current playing style.