Leicester City have parted ways with manager Steve Cooper just five months into his tenure, following a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. Cooper, who joined the club in June on a three-year contract, departs amid a dismal run of form that has seen the newly-promoted Foxes go five games without a win in all competitions.
Saturday’s loss to Chelsea, now managed by Enzo Maresca—the man Cooper replaced in the summer—left Leicester languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just two points clear of the relegation zone. The team has managed only two wins from 12 league matches this season and conceded a worrying 14 goals in their last five outings.
Cooper took the reins at Leicester after Maresca guided the club to the Championship title last season before leaving for Chelsea. Despite his track record, which includes leading England’s U17s to World Cup glory in 2017 and managing Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, Cooper struggled to make an impact at the King Power Stadium. He lasted just 15 games in charge, with the team failing to adapt to the challenges of top-flight football.
The 44-year-old is now the second Premier League manager to be dismissed this season, following Manchester United’s decision to sack Erik ten Hag last month. Leicester’s decision underscores the pressures faced by newly-promoted teams as they fight to retain their place in the league.
The Foxes are expected to move swiftly in appointing Cooper’s successor, as they look to reverse their fortunes and pull away from the relegation zone.
