In a decisive move, Leicester City Football Club has announced the dismissal of Steve Cooper as First Team Manager following a lackluster start to their English Premier League (EPL) campaign.
The club, currently languishing in 16th place on the league table, made the decision after just 12 matches, with Cooper managing to secure only two wins during his tenure. The announcement also confirmed the departure of Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands.
Leicester City issued an official statement expressing gratitude to the outgoing staff for their contributions:
“Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect. Assistant Manager Alan Tate and First Team Coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the Club. 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.”
The club also clarified interim arrangements, stating that First Team Coach Ben Dawson will oversee training, assisted by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes. Meanwhile, the search for a permanent successor is already underway.
Steve Cooper’s appointment in June was met with skepticism, particularly given his ties to local rivals Nottingham Forest. His prior success with Forest, including securing their return to the Premier League after a 23-year absence, failed to endear him to Leicester fans, some of whom expressed discontent from the outset.
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Cooper’s stint saw a mix of frustration and fleeting hope. While the team managed victories over Bournemouth and relegation rivals Southampton, a series of poor performances, including a five-match winless streak and a League Cup exit to Manchester United, ultimately sealed his fate. The final blow came with a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea, marking the return of former Leicester manager Enzo Maresca to the King Power Stadium.
Cooper’s tenure was plagued by strained relations with the Leicester fan base. From boos at his debut match against Tottenham to ongoing dissatisfaction with team performance, the pressure was unrelenting. Despite his proven track record in player development and tactical acumen, Cooper was unable to galvanize the Foxes.
His dismissal makes him the second managerial casualty of the Premier League season, following Erik ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United.
Leicester City’s immediate focus will be on stabilizing the squad and appointing a new manager capable of steering the team clear of the relegation zone. The club faces mounting pressure to deliver results in an increasingly competitive league. Interim coach Ben Dawson’s leadership will be pivotal as Leicester prepares for its next fixtures.
The decision to part ways with Cooper underscores the high stakes of the Premier League, where performance is everything. For Leicester, a club with recent memories of championship glory, a swift turnaround is crucial to avoid a deeper crisis.