Leicester sack Steve Cooper just 24 hours after Chelsea defeat and PGMOL rant

There has been another managerial departure in the Premier League.

Posted Monday, November 25, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Leicester City have confirmed they have sacked manager Steve Cooper. The 44-year-old took charge for the final time on. Saturday, with the Foxes beaten at home by Chelsea in the Premier League.

He leaves with Leicester 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone after being promoted under Enzo Maresca last season.

Steve Cooper after Leicester's 2-1 loss to Chelsea.

In a released statment, the club confirmed: "We have parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as first team manager with immediate effect."

Confirming the temporary structure following the decision, the statement continued: "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.

"Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes. The club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible."

The development comes barely 24 hours afteer Cooper risked fauling foul of the PGMOL, having been scathing about referee Andrew Madley in the aftermath of his side's defeat. The Welshman was incensed after Stephen Madley was denied a penalty late on, with the hosts 2-0 down at the time.

Although Leicester were later awarded an injury time penalty, which Jordan Ayew converted, it only came after the initial offside ruling was overturned by VAR. "When you play against teams like Chelsea, it’s about capitalising on your moments and hoping that the game is refereed in the right way," said Cooper.

"We have had a tough season with the referee this year. This is the last thing the PGMOL needed this weekend, it’s not just a performance like that, but it being the first game as well. I felt a bit sorry for Howard Webb. That’s how it is."

Cooper was appointed in June on a three-year deal, after Maresca had departed for Chelsea. But his tenure has lasted just 15 league and cup games, and he becomes the second top-flight manager to lose his job this season after Erik ten Hag.

Since a comeback win at Southampton on October 19, Leciester have gone five games without a win. That has run has included four defeats, with the Midlands club signing off for the international break with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

This is the second time Cooper has lost his job at a Premier League club. Midway through the 2023/24 campaign, he was sacked by Nottingham Forest having previously led them to promotion and finished 16th in the previous campaign.