NafisaRuud van Nistelrooy has been unable to reverse Leicester City’s fortunes, and at this point, it’s difficult to see him surviving the season without being dismissed.
His first experience watching Leicester live as their manager came in late November against Brentford. While he wasn’t in the dugout, the match marked the beginning of his tenure following Steve Cooper’s departure.
Ironically, this week’s clash with Brentford could be the game that ultimately seals his fate, bringing an end to his short and disappointing spell in charge.
With 10 defeats in 11 Premier League games, frustration among Foxes fans has reached a boiling point, and many believe a change in leadership is overdue. With that in mind, here are three out-of-work managers who could be ideal replacements for Van Nistelrooy.
Three Ideal Replacements for Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester City
Edin Terzic
Leicester’s battle to avoid relegation will make attracting top-tier managers a challenge. However, football has produced surprises before—few would have imagined a coach of Carlo Ancelotti’s caliber taking charge at Everton.
On the subject of the Champions League, Edin Terzic led Borussia Dortmund to the final in 2023/24, only to fall short against Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
The 42-year-old voluntarily stepped away from Dortmund in June 2024 and has been without a club since. Landing him would be a massive achievement for Leicester, and his attacking philosophy could breathe new life into their struggling frontline.
Maurizio Sarri
English fans will best remember Maurizio Sarri for his time at Chelsea, but his résumé speaks for itself—he has won Serie A, the Europa League, and numerous individual accolades.
He stepped down as Lazio’s manager in March 2024, and while he has led some of Europe’s biggest clubs, he also has a history of managing smaller sides.
Sarri’s possession-based style could provide the structure Leicester desperately needs, offering a fresh tactical approach in a season where little else has worked.
Erik ten Hag
A divisive choice, no doubt, but Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United deserves a closer look. While some Leicester fans may have reservations, United’s struggles since his departure suggest he was working under difficult conditions and still managing to overachieve.
Ten Hag has won league titles and has experience in both the Champions League and the Premier League, making him a clear step up from Van Nistelrooy.
Despite facing significant off-field challenges at Old Trafford, Leicester’s squad appears to have fewer ego-driven complications, potentially making this a job better suited to his coaching style.
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