Leicester City has appointed former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper as their new manager, the newly-promoted Premier League club announced on Thursday.
"Leicester City Football Club can today confirm the appointment of Steve Cooper as our new first-team manager ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Steve, 44, has agreed to a three-year contract," the club said in a statement.
Cooper succeeds Enzo Maresca, who departed for the vacant managerial position at Chelsea earlier this month. Maresca, also 44, had successfully guided Leicester back to the Premier League after just one season in the Championship.
Although former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter and West Brom’s Carlos Corberan were also considered for the role, it was Cooper who ultimately secured the position.
"I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s first-team manager," Cooper said. "This is a fantastic club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League."
'Respect'
Cooper praised Leicester’s recent achievements, saying, "Any person who loves football can only look with great respect upon how much this club has achieved in recent years. The Premier League title of 2016 and the FA Cup of 2021 have demonstrated what’s possible for a united club. As the new manager, I don’t take that legacy lightly."
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha welcomed Cooper’s arrival, stating, "His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club. As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the club in the Premier League."
However, Cooper’s tenure at Leicester might face challenges due to off-field issues, as the club potentially faces a points deduction and may need to sell players to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Cooper led Forest, another Midlands club, to promotion in 2022 but was dismissed in December 2023 with the club struggling against relegation. Forest ultimately remained in the Premier League under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Cooper’s first match as Leicester manager will be a home game against Tottenham on August 19.
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