Leicester City Sack Steve Cooper: Who’s Next at the Helm?

Leicester City have made the move by parting ways with Steve Cooper, a decision that took only 5 months to drop the hammer, but it fairness since replacing Enzo Maresca and Leicester Summer FFPL Sale, he was doomed from the start. Cooper’s dismissal comes after a string of underwhelming results, and now all eyes are on who will replace him. Several high-profile names are already in the mix, including Graham Potter, David Moyes, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Erik ten Haag, and Mark Robins. Let’s take a closer look at the candidates, their tactical styles, and how their appointment could impact Leicester’s squad from a fantasy football perspective, because let’s be honest that’s what really care about.

Graham Potter: The Tactical Chameleon

Graham Potter seeing another blue team in his future? Photo Credit Chelsea F.C.

Graham Potter is well-known for his adaptable approach, tailoring his tactics to fit his players’ strengths and the demands of each match, before managing Chelsea he was actually very very highly rated and is the favourite for the role. His teams typically play in a fluid 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession and building from the back. Under Potter, Leicester could see a return to an expansive, attacking style of play with lots of movement and creativity in the midfield, probably the closest relation to what the squad was used to in the Championship under Maresca.

Potential Winners and Losers

  • Winners: Creative midfielders like Kasey McAteer and Harry Winks could thrive under Potter, as he often builds his play around talented playmakers. Fullbacks like Ricardo Periera or potentially Bobby De Cordova-Reid could also benefit from the attacking license Potter gives to wide players.
  • Losers: More rigid players such as Hazma Choudhury who struggle with tactical flexibility may find it hard to adapt to Potter’s evolving game plans, making it tough for defensive midfielders to shine.

David Moyes: Pragmatic but Effective

Moyesy very calmly reminding Hammers that is in fact….the man! Photo Credit Westham United F.C.

David Moyes is known for his disciplined, organized style of play, often favouring a 4-2-3-1 setup that emphasizes defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. His approach might be less flamboyant to say the least but could bring much-needed stability to a Leicester side that’s been leaking goals. Apart from at Manchester United he’s been a solid, stable manager who punches well above the teams weight, West Ham fans, remember how they thought the grass was greener with julen lopetegui, how’s that going?

Potential Winners and Losers

  • Winners: Defenders like the old school Conor Coady could get a renaissance and many Leicester players could benefit from Moyes’ focus on structure and defensive discipline. Forward players like Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka might find opportunities on the break under Moyes’ counter-attacking tactics.
  • Losers: Creative players might have fewer opportunities to express themselves freely, which could reduce the fantasy value of someone like Buonanotte if Moyes prioritizes defensive work rate.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: The Striker’s Manager

Ruud Ready for the challenge or waiting for something bigger? Photo Credit Premier League

Ruud van Nistelrooy is a relatively new name in management but is a legendary goal getter that has shown promise with his attacking philosophy. His tactics often involve a 4-3-3 formation that prioritizes getting the ball forward quickly and utilizing strikers effectively. As a former prolific forward himself, van Nistelrooy knows how to get the best out of attacking players.

Potential Winners and Losers

  • Winners: Strikers like Vardy could flourish under van Nistelrooy, who will likely look to exploit natural finishing ability. Wingers such as Jordan Ajew and Stephy Mavididi could also thrive in an attacking setup that emphasizes service to the front line.
  • Losers: Defensive midfielders might find themselves bypassed if van Nistelrooy opts for a more direct style, potentially limiting the influence of players like Ndidi.

Erik ten Hag: The Ajax Approach

Pondering a quick return to the dugout? Photo Credit 90min

Erik ten Hag is well-known for his time at Ajax more so then what happened up at Old Trafford, where he utilized a possession-heavy 4-3-3 formation that focused on pressing and quick transitions. After his recent dismissal he want might to prove himself in the Prem, who knows? Cant see this one happening but it’s still fun to look. Ten Hag’s system requires high technical ability and a lot of work off the ball, with a significant focus on building from the back.

Potential Winners and Losers

  • Winners: Ball-players like Wilfred Ndidi could benefit from ten Hag’s approach, as would players comfortable in possession like Harry Winks and Buonanotte.
  • Losers: Players who lack technical skills might struggle under ten Hag’s system, as he demands a lot from his squad in terms of pressing and tactical discipline.

Mark Robins: The Steady Hand

Mark Robins buzzed that he got the boot from Coventry now. Photo Credit The Independant

Mark Robins has made a name for himself as a manager who can get the best out of limited resources. His tactical setup often revolves around a pragmatic 4-4-2 or a flexible 3-5-2, depending on the players available. Robins is likely to prioritize balance and teamwork over individual brilliance.

Potential Winners and Losers

  • Winners: Hard-working players who can adapt to different roles will likely thrive under Robins. Ndidi, Bobby De Cordova-Reid sprint to mind as they are known for work rate and could become key figures.
  • Losers: Star players like Mavididi may have less room for individual expression, which could impact their fantasy appeal if the focus shifts more towards collective effort.

Who is the Best Fit for Leicester?

Each candidate offers something different, and Leicester must decide whether they need stability, tactical flexibility, or an all-out attacking approach. Graham Potter and Erik ten Hag are both capable of bringing an exciting, possession-based style, while Moyes and Robins could provide the defensive solidity Leicester needs. Ruud van Nistelrooy is perhaps the wildcard—his emphasis on attacking football could make Leicester a thrilling prospect but might come with risks.

Fantasy Football Implications

For fantasy football managers, the identity of Leicester’s next boss could be crucial. A more attacking coach like Potter or van Nistelrooy could see Leicester’s creative and forward players become must-haves, while a defensive-minded manager like Moyes could make their defenders and goalkeepers more valuable. Keep an eye on the appointment—your fantasy squad could benefit significantly from getting ahead of the curve.

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