Report: Why Leicester Moved Swiftly to Sack Their Manager | OneFootball

Why Leicester City Moved Quickly to Sack Steve Cooper

Leicester City’s decision to part ways with Steve Cooper may have shocked some, but to the club’s hierarchy, it felt necessary. While Cooper’s intentions and efforts were clear, the risk of relegation loomed too large for a club determined to stabilise in the Premier League.

Leicester’s Quick Decision Reflects Urgency to Avoid Disaster

The 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Saturday, orchestrated by Cooper’s predecessor Enzo Maresca, proved to be the tipping point. It left Leicester hovering perilously at 16th in the Premier League table, a single point clear of the relegation zone. Despite not sitting in the bottom three, Leicester’s points tally was far below expectations, and there were growing doubts that Cooper’s approach could deliver the results needed to ensure safety.

Though the decision to sack him on Sunday seemed abrupt, Leicester’s leadership felt compelled to act. Cooper’s influence on the squad was acknowledged, with improvements visible in some in-game statistics, but results on paper told a grimmer story. The disconnect between the players and his system, combined with fears of stagnation, left the Foxes unwilling to gamble on more time.

Maresca’s Legacy and Squad Challenges

Enzo Maresca’s impact on Leicester’s recent history added to the challenges faced by Cooper. The Italian manager, who guided the Foxes to promotion last season by winning the Championship, left behind a team deeply ingrained in his playing philosophy. Adjusting to Cooper’s less expansive, quicker style proved a hurdle for many players, especially those loyal to Maresca’s methods.

Photo IMAGO

This transition period created teething problems that not only affected performances but also sowed seeds of discontent. Cooper’s struggles to connect with some members of the squad were particularly concerning for the club. The fear that this disconnect might snowball into a full-blown crisis made the decision to sack him all the more urgent.

Cooper’s Nottingham Forest Past Loomed Large

Cooper’s appointment came with expectations shaped by his success at Nottingham Forest, where he led the club from the Championship’s bottom to Premier League safety over two remarkable seasons. However, crossing the East Midlands to Leicester carried its own baggage. His past achievements with a rival club meant he faced scepticism from certain sections of the Leicester fanbase, who struggled to fully embrace him.

Photo: IMAGO

The 44-year-old made genuine efforts to win over supporters, including inviting club legends to the training ground and writing an open letter to fans upon his arrival. His pre-season comments about “getting under the skin” of Leicester showcased his commitment to understanding the club’s identity. Yet, earning trust amid a relegation fight proved an uphill battle.

Adding to the scrutiny, some fans viewed him as a second-choice appointment. Leicester’s failed pursuit of Graham Potter in the summer left doubts about Cooper’s standing from the outset. Despite this, he pressed on, working to bridge the gap with supporters and adapt his philosophy to meet the team’s survival needs.

Financial Constraints and Transfer Woes

Cooper also inherited a Leicester side grappling with off-field difficulties. The club narrowly avoided a points deduction in September after breaching Profit and Sustainability regulations. This financial uncertainty cast a shadow over their summer transfer activity, hampering efforts to strengthen the squad effectively.

Despite limited resources, Cooper made significant signings, including Oliver Skipp from Tottenham for £20m and Caleb Okoli from Atalanta for £13m. However, not all additions have flourished. Bilal El Khannouss, a £21m recruit from Genk, has struggled for game time, making just three league starts without completing a full match. These struggles exacerbated the pressure on Cooper, who felt the financial restrictions had limited his ability to shape the squad in his image.

Photo IMAGO

Cooper’s Departure Highlights the Ruthlessness of the Premier League

There is an undeniable sympathy for Steve Cooper. Known for his honesty and affable nature, he was a figure who stayed after press conferences to chat about football, music, and tactics. But the Premier League is no place for sentimentality. Ultimately, his personable demeanour wasn’t enough to override Leicester’s concerns about their trajectory under his leadership.

Supporters had shown patience in recent years, rallying behind managers during tough times. However, the growing murmurings from the stands, especially during a humbling 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in October, underscored the unease. Forest fans serenading their former manager only added salt to Leicester’s wounds.

While Cooper’s departure comes with a sense of what might have been, Leicester now face a pivotal moment. The club’s next move is crucial, with whispers of renewed interest in Graham Potter hinting at a potential second chance to secure their original target.

For a club that stunned the footballing world by winning the Premier League in 2016, this chapter serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. Leicester acted decisively, driven by a desire to avoid the unthinkable—a second relegation in as many years.