Leicester City Sack Steve Cooper After Five Months in Charge

Struggling Foxes part ways with manager amid poor Premier League form.

Leicester City have parted company with manager Steve Cooper just five months into his tenure. The decision comes with the Foxes sitting 16th in the Premier League, a mere two points clear of the relegation zone after 12 matches.

Cooper’s dismissal follows a string of disappointing results, including four losses in their last five outings. The final blow was a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A Short-Lived Stint

Cooper was appointed in the summer, signing a three-year contract to replace Enzo Maresca, who left the club after guiding them to Premier League promotion. Despite high hopes, Cooper struggled to find consistent form with Leicester’s squad, leading to his dismissal.

The club released a statement confirming Cooper’s departure, along with assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach Steve Rands.

“Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as first team manager with immediate effect.
“Steve, Alan, and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the club and with our best wishes for the future.”

First-team coach Ben Dawson will oversee training on an interim basis, supported by Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, while Leicester begin the search for a new manager. The club hopes to appoint a replacement swiftly, with their next fixture against Brentford on November 30.

A Tough Season for Cooper

Cooper took charge after Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign under Maresca, but his Premier League struggles mirrored his difficult final months at Nottingham Forest, where he was sacked in December 2023.

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The 44-year-old was vocal about the team’s misfortune this season, particularly with refereeing decisions. Following the Chelsea loss, he lamented a missed penalty call when Wesley Fofana appeared to foul Stephy Mavididi in the box. While Leicester did earn a late penalty, converted by Jordan Ayew, it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

What’s Next for Leicester?

Leicester’s management shake-up makes Steve Cooper the second Premier League boss to be dismissed this season, following Erik ten Hag’s exit from Manchester United. With the club precariously close to the relegation zone, the Foxes face mounting pressure to find a new manager capable of stabilizing their campaign.

The spotlight now shifts to the Leicester board as they seek a candidate who can lead the club back to form and avoid a relegation battle.

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