Van Nistelrooy admits Leicester appointment has fallen flat after record-breaking loss
Ruud van Nistelrooy has conceded that his tenure at Leicester City has not gone to plan, following a crushing 3-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday that etched the Foxes’ name into the Premier League history books for the wrong reasons.
Leicester have now lost eight consecutive home league matches without scoring — the longest such run in Premier League history. All three of Newcastle’s goals came in the first half at the King Power Stadium, with Van Nistelrooy visibly furious after Jacob Murphy scored just two minutes in, following a cross from Tino Livramento. Cameras caught the Dutchman shouting in frustration as his side collapsed again just nine minutes later.
Now sitting a massive 15 points adrift of safety with just seven games remaining, relegation appears inevitable. The defeat came just a day after Southampton’s relegation — confirmed earlier than any team in Premier League history — and it looks likely Leicester will be joining them in the Championship next season.
Van Nistelrooy, who was appointed in November following the departure of Steve Cooper, initially brought hope after a bright start. However, he has failed to maintain momentum, picking up more points in his first two matches than across the following 16.
Reflecting on his struggles, the 48-year-old former Manchester United striker admitted his attempts to turn things around have failed.
“It’s incredibly disappointing,” Van Nistelrooy said post-match. “When I arrived, my aim was to help move the club forward, but it hasn’t worked. I’ve tried different tactics, different lineups — but nothing has changed the results. That’s the honest truth.”
When questioned about his future at the club, he chose his words carefully:
“Right now, the most important thing is the club and the players. That’s where my focus is.”
Pressed further, he reiterated: “The club and the players matter most — that’s my response.”
Defender James Justin also voiced the squad’s struggles, admitting that confidence has hit rock bottom.
“It’s hard to put into words. The way things have gone, we feel terrible. We’re just trying to find any spark of confidence, but right now it’s not there. It’s a really difficult period for the club.”
Leicester will aim to salvage some pride when they travel to Brighton for a Saturday afternoon clash — but the damage to their season, and potentially their Premier League status, may already be done.
