Van Nistelrooy’s first comments after being appointed Leicester City manager

Cooper parted ways with Leicester when they were just two points above the relegation zone and the club quickly moved to set up a meeting Van Nistelrooiwho was an assistant coach at Manchester United He took over the team on an interim basis following the sacking of the Dutch compatriot Erik ten Haag last month.

“I am proud and excited,” Van Nistelrooy said in a statement “Everyone I have spoken to about Leicester City Football Club has been delighted. The club’s recent history is impressive.”

Leicester surprisingly won the Premier League title in 2015-2016, but were relegated in 2023 before returning directly to the top flight again under Enzo Maresca, who then left to join the club. Chelsea.

Former Nottingham Forest manager Cooper took over as Leicester manager last June.

Leicester City suddenly sacked Cooper last Sunday, 157 days after taking charge, after their 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea left them in 16th place, ten points directly above the relegation zone.

Leicester City’s announcement comes two weeks after Van Nistelrooy stepped down as United’s interim manager after leading the team to three wins and a draw in all competitions.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, left Old Trafford following the arrival of Portuguese Ruben Amorim as permanent manager, despite the Dutch coach expressing an interest in staying at Old Trafford.

The former United striker also played for PSV Eindhoven And Real MadridHe scored 349 goals with the clubs and 35 goals in 70 games with the Dutch national team.

Van Nistelrooy managed Eindhoven during the 2022-2023 season and won the Dutch Cup with them before joining compatriot Ten Haag as an assistant coach in July.

Leicester visit Brentford on Saturday and interim manager Ben Dawson is expected to take charge of the team during this match before Van Nistelrooy takes charge when they host. West Ham United Next Tuesday.