Leicester City Sack Manager Steve Cooper Amid Struggles In The Premier League.
Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper following a challenging start to the Premier League season that sees the club languishing in 16th place after 12 matches. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, managed by former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca, proved to be the final straw, leaving the Foxes just two points above the relegation zone.
Cooper, who succeeded Maresca in the summer, took charge after the Italian guided Leicester to the 2023-24 Championship title and secured promotion back to the top flight. However, a string of inconsistent performances and six league defeats this season have forced the club to act decisively.
In a statement, Leicester announced that first-team training will temporarily be overseen by coach Ben Dawson, alongside Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the search for a new manager begins. The club aims to conclude the process swiftly. Assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach Steve Rands have also departed. Leicester’s next fixture is an away match against Brentford on Saturday, 30 November.
Following the defeat to Chelsea, Cooper expressed frustration with referee Andrew Madley’s performance, but he also acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to Premier League challenges. Speaking to *BBC Sport*, Cooper said:
“I knew how tough the challenge of the season was going to be both on and off the pitch and it’s proving to be that, but that’s just how it is coming back into the league. I believe we can do better, so that’s got to come in the performances to get the results.”
Cooper becomes the second Premier League manager to lose his job this season, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal by Manchester United in October.
Mixed Reactions to Cooper’s Departure
Former Leicester goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer admitted he was “a little bit surprised” by the decision. Speaking to *BBC Radio 5 Live*, Schwarzer noted:
“Leicester is not known for being a club that will sack managers quickly. At times, some would say that perhaps they have held on too long to some managers.”
Meanwhile, ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton described the sacking as “really harsh,” arguing that Leicester had made a reasonable start to the season given their recent promotion. Sutton said:
“The three promoted sides last season went straight back down. I think that decision is really harsh.”
Cooper’s Managerial Journey
The 44-year-old Cooper previously managed Nottingham Forest, where he achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2022 and kept them in the division the following season. However, he was dismissed in December 2023 with Forest sitting in 17th place. Cooper also enjoyed success on the international stage, leading England’s Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017.
Leicester will now look to steady the ship as they prepare for a crucial period in their campaign.
