Merson predicts Leicester relegation while candidate too similar to Cooper | OneFootball

One Leicester City managerial candidate was just too similar to former Foxes boss Steve Cooper. That's why he didn't get the top job at King Power Stadium. But who is this manager whose style is at odds with what LCFC chairman Top Srivaddhanaprabha wants for the team? And what are these undesirable methods the east Midlands outfit wish to distance themselves from?

In addition to covering that topic, we look at what a prominent pundit said of Leicester reportedly appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy. While Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson was impressed with the former Manchester United and Holland striker, he's not bowled over by van Nistelrooy's management record. Furthermore, the one-time Arsenal star says the Foxes will be relegated in spite of the Dutchman's timely appointment.

Paul Merson rated Ruud van Nistelrooy as a player - but not Leicester City's chances of survival

I must admit that I am quite optimistic about the latest manager installation on Filbert Way. Well, I will be when the Foxes actually decide to announce the new gaffer. To be fair, The Telegraph and Fabrizio Romano have declared van Nistelrooy the new boss of Leicestershire team. And they are more than good enough sources for me.

Anyway, at the time of writing van Nistelrooy is probably somewhere inside the King Power putting the final touches on legal requirements etcetera. But when he is the LCFC manager publicly, the Blue Army will have the right to be excited. If he wasn't a stunning enough player, the 44-year-old has also shown positive signs as a boss for numerous reasons.

Though great footballers don't always make a great coaches, or sufficient head coaches for that matter. If any have a chance, pedigree and a bit of recent experience, then van Nistelrooy is arguably that man. For now, optimism surrounds Leicester.

Yet Merson, that cheeky chappy who was also as gifted a player as they come, does not fancy City's prospects of avoiding the drop this season. And the ex-Gunner made that daunting assertion after learning of RvN's imminent arrival at Leicester.

Why Foxes hierarchy didn't realistically consider Carlos Corberan for club's hot seat

Corberan is rated in the game. Though, evidently, he wasn't suited to LCFC for one alleged reason: his tactical similarity to Cooper. While the West Bromwich Albion chief has done well with minimal funding, his modus operandi reminded some at the King Power of the Welshman.