In a significant development, English Premier League (EPL) side, Leicester City Football Club, has announced the sack of manager Steve Cooper, following a disappointing start to the season.
The decision comes after the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, which left them 16th in the Premier League table.
Cooper took over as manager in the summer, following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League under former boss Enzo Maresca. However, after 12 league games, the club has decided to make a change.
“Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible,” a Leicester City statement read.
Assistant manager Alan Tate and first-team coach and analyst Steve Rands have also left the club. Cooper’s departure makes him the second Premier League manager to be sacked this season, following Erik ten Hag’s exit from Manchester United in October.
Speaking after the Chelsea defeat, Cooper had acknowledged the challenges facing the team. “I knew how tough the challenge of the season was going to be both on and off the pitch and it’s proving to be that but that’s just how it is coming back into the league,” he said.
Former Leicester City goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer expressed surprise at Cooper’s departure. “Leicester is not known for being a club that will sack managers quickly,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
The search for Cooper’s replacement is already underway, with former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter being touted as a potential candidate.
Schwarzer believes Potter would be a good fit for the club. “Would he be interested in taking on a team and club like Leicester? Why not? I think he would do a fantastic job,” he said.