Leicester City have announced the departure of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy by mutual agreement after the club’s relegation from the Premier League last season.
Van Nistelrooy, a former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, joined Leicester in November when the team was positioned 16th in the league. Despite winning his first game in charge, he was unable to reverse the club’s fortunes. Leicester ended the campaign in 18th place, finishing 13 points adrift of safety, and were relegated to the Championship.
The 48-year-old managed just five wins during his tenure.
“Ruud has overseen a challenging period for the club,” Leicester said in a statement. “(He) moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the football club for his dedication and hard work and with our very best wishes for the future.”
Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest strikers, Van Nistelrooy had previously led PSV Eindhoven to a Dutch Cup title as manager. He later joined Manchester United’s coaching staff as an assistant under compatriot Erik ten Hag.
Following Ten Hag’s dismissal, Van Nistelrooy briefly took over as interim coach at Old Trafford before Ruben Amorim was appointed as the new permanent manager.
Reflecting on his time at Leicester, Van Nistelrooy said, “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club.”
Leicester confirmed that the first-team coaching staff will oversee the start of pre-season training while the search for a new manager is underway.
