Leicester City sack Steve Cooper after defeat against Chelsea and target Graham Potter
Leicester City have announced that they have said goodbye to manager Steve Cooper and have drawn up a list of possible replacements.
The former Nottingham Forest manager was appointed in the summer after Enzo Maresca left the Championship champions for Chelsea.
However, Cooper He has lasted just 15 games in the position at the King Power Stadium.
A 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea was the final straw and his departure was confirmed just 24 hours later.
“Leicester City Football Club has parted ways with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as first-team manager with immediate effect,” said a statement saying.
“Assistant manager Alan Tate and first team coach and analyst Steve Rands also left the Club.
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“Steve, Alan and Steve leave with our thanks for their contribution during their time at the Club and with our best wishes for the future.
“Training of the men's first team will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, while the club begins the process of appointing a new coach, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible. “.
Cooper won just four of his 15 games in all competitions in charge at leicester and leaves them in 16th place in the Premier League.
talkSPORT understands Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha had reservations about Cooper after appointing him in June.
It is also understood that many of his players were not convinced by the Welshman.
Furthermore, talkSPORT understands that Leicester's performances have been monitored for some time and the club felt they needed to perform to maintain their Premier League status.
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They wanted to give Cooper as much time as possible, but they didn't feel he could overcome his problems in the time necessary.
It is understood that a quick appointment is not expected, but they were very interested in former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter. in the summer.
Potter came close to taking charge of the Foxes in the summer before a last-minute hesitation from the former Chelsea boss prompted them to appoint Steve Cooper in his place.
After sacking Cooper on Sunday, Leicester are expected to sound out Potter to see if he is interested in the job.
Other potential targets include former Manchester United caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is keen to become a Premier League manager.
Cooper made a good start in the Leicester dugout as they drew 1-1 at home to Tottenham on the opening weekend of the season.
However, they then went on a five-match winless run in the Premier League that kept them in the relegation fight.
Since then, back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Southampton have been followed by four games without a win.
This included a tough 5-2 Carabao Cup fourth round loss to Manchester United, who then beat them 3-0 days later.
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Saturday's home defeat to Chelsea showed the weaknesses within the Leicester team amid poor defending on both of the visitors' goals.
The Foxes are just two points above the relegation zone and have just two league wins from 12 games.
Next Leicester manager
- Graham Potter – 7/4
- David Moyes 7/4
- Ruud Van Nistelrooy 3/1
- Mark Robins 14/1
- Carlos Corberán. 1/20
- Lee Carsley 25/1
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