Leicester City Relegated: Time for a Major Rebuild | OneFootball

Leicester City Face Major Rebuild After Relegation Confirmed

Protests, Poor Form and Premier League Exit

As a banner was flown over the King Power Stadium declaring “King Power Clueless Sack The Board”, it became clear that frustration among Leicester City fans had reached breaking point. By the end of the evening, their fears were realised. A 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, capped by a second-half strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold, condemned the Foxes to a swift and painful return to the Championship.

This marks their second relegation in three seasons—a staggering decline for a club that were Premier League champions less than a decade ago. What was meant to be a campaign of consolidation after last year’s Championship title has unravelled in dramatic fashion. Just four wins all season, two managerial changes, and a home goal drought that stretched to a record-breaking 810 minutes paint the bleak picture of a club in freefall.

The atmosphere around the stadium told its own story. There was no defiance, no late rallying cry—just resignation. A few supporters offered half-hearted applause at full-time, but most had already filtered out, disillusioned by what they had witnessed.

Coaching Turmoil and Squad Disconnect

The sacking of Steve Cooper in October did little to stabilise the club. At the time, Leicester were 16th, but deeper issues were already visible—most notably the difficulties adjusting from Enzo Maresca’s controlled style to something more pragmatic. Despite Maresca’s popularity in the dressing room, Cooper failed to establish similar bonds, even if veterans like Jamie Vardy were reportedly supportive.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s arrival was initially greeted with optimism. His forthright communication and fresh training methods, supported by assistant Brian Barry-Murphy, were seen as a step in the right direction. But the initial bounce—a win against West Ham and a draw at Brighton—quickly faded. Since then, the Foxes have picked up just four points, equalling a club record of eight consecutive defeats.

Under Van Nistelrooy, Leicester have scored only six league goals since early December. Cooper’s team, though far from flawless, were at least competitive. The Dutchman, despite his credentials as a striker for elite clubs, has presided over a dramatic downturn in attacking output.

Midfielder Harry Winks has reportedly clashed with Van Nistelrooy after refusing to stay overnight at the training ground—a standoff that saw him dropped from the squad. Some players have also voiced concerns over the intensity and structure of training sessions, suggesting the mood at Seagrave has become increasingly strained.

Leadership Under Pressure

Behind the scenes, the pressure is mounting on director of football Jon Rudkin and the club’s board. Fans consider Rudkin emblematic of Leicester’s decline and his long tenure has done little to shield him from scrutiny. While CEO Susan Whelan has made efforts to engage with supporters, broader communication from the hierarchy has remained scarce.

Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha now faces key decisions. Does he persist with the current football leadership, or is a reset needed at executive level too? Van Nistelrooy’s future remains uncertain. With 17 defeats in 22 matches, it’s difficult to envisage a long-term project under his guidance. He acknowledged as much on Sunday, stating: “I’m waiting on the clarity of the club and how they want to continue. It is the goal to lead the club. I have to wait on how the club sees things and take it from there.”

Financially, sacking a second manager in one season is no simple matter. But inaction could prove more costly if a strong rebuild is delayed.

Players Set to Depart and PSR Challenges

Squad overhaul is inevitable. Only three players—Danny Ward, Daniel Iversen and Jamie Vardy—are out of contract this summer, meaning sales will be necessary to balance the books. Vardy’s future is perhaps the most significant call Leicester will have to make, given his symbolic status and hefty wages.

The likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Ricardo Pereira, and Wout Faes are likely to attract attention, although their recent form may limit their market value. Mads Hermansen and Bilal El Khannouss could command fees, but even they are not guaranteed to stay.

Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) remain a looming concern. Leicester avoided a points deduction last year by virtue of being in the EFL when the alleged breach occurred, but the matter is unresolved and discussions with both the Premier League and EFL are ongoing.

For a club that once broke boundaries, winning the Premier League in 2016, this latest fall is particularly jarring. The rebuild will require clear leadership, smart recruitment and strong dressing room figures. Whether that comes under Van Nistelrooy or a new manager, Leicester cannot afford to get it wrong again.

Their last relegation sparked an immediate promotion. This time, the landscape looks far more uncertain.