Paul Scholes Criticizes Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Managerial Skills, Suggests Leicester Should Have Looked Elsewhere
Former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has weighed in on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s managerial abilities, claiming the former striker lacks two crucial skills needed to succeed in management. Scholes, who has been outspoken on various footballing matters, shared his thoughts on van Nistelrooy’s potential as a top-tier manager while also offering his opinion on Leicester City’s recent managerial decision.
Van Nistelrooy, who enjoyed a prolific playing career with both Manchester United and the Netherlands, took up the managerial position at PSV Eindhoven in 2022. Despite his impressive playing resume, Scholes believes that van Nistelrooy’s transition into management has been less than seamless. According to Scholes, van Nistelrooy is missing two key skills required for success as a manager: tactical flexibility and effective player communication.
Scholes explained that a top manager needs to be adaptable in their tactical approach, adjusting strategies depending on the opponent and the circumstances of the match. While he acknowledged van Nistelrooy’s success with PSV, Scholes pointed out that his rigid tactics have sometimes limited his team’s ability to perform under various conditions. “Great managers are flexible,” Scholes stated. “They change their approach to fit the game and the players they have. Ruud has yet to show that kind of flexibility in his management.”
In addition to tactical flexibility, Scholes emphasized the importance of strong communication skills in management. The former midfielder pointed out that van Nistelrooy’s ability to communicate effectively with players, both in terms of motivation and tactical instruction, was another area of concern. Scholes believes that without this vital skill, a manager struggles to foster the kind of team cohesion necessary for long-term success.
The comments also extended to Leicester City’s recent managerial search, with Scholes suggesting that the club may have made a mistake by appointing van Nistelrooy’s rival, former Premier League manager Brendan Rodgers, as their choice for the role. According to Scholes, Leicester would have been better off considering a different Premier League manager, someone with a proven track record of adaptability and strong leadership. Scholes hinted that Leicester’s decision-making process may have been influenced by the recent managerial shakeups in the league, leaving them with limited options.
While Scholes did not dismiss van Nistelrooy’s potential entirely, his words serve as a cautionary note for those in charge of managerial appointments. In modern football, where adaptability and communication are paramount, Scholes believes that Ruud van Nistelrooy still has a lot to prove before he can reach the top level as a manager. For clubs like Leicester, finding a manager who ticks all the boxes could make the difference between success and failure.
