The Welsh coach had been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest, currently managed by the Portuguese Nuno Espírito Santo, in December 2023.
Embed from Getty Images
Sky Sports reported this Wednesday that Steve Cooper has reached an agreement to take over as head coach of Leicester next season, succeeding Enzo Maresca, the new manager of Chelsea, at the helm of the recently promoted Premier League club.
The 44-year-old Welsh coach had been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest, currently managed by the Portuguese Nuno Espírito Santo, in December 2023. At the time of his departure, Nottingham Forest was struggling in the 17th position in the English Championship, with only three wins in 18 games played. Cooper's exit was seen as a significant shake-up for the club, which aimed to rejuvenate its campaign under new leadership.
Steve Cooper brings a wealth of experience to Leicester, having previously managed the England U17 team to World Cup glory in 2017 before taking charge of Swansea City. At Swansea, he led the team to consecutive playoff finishes, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent were key factors in Leicester's decision to appoint him as their new head coach.
Graham Potter, former manager of Brighton and Chelsea, was also considered a candidate to succeed Maresca at Leicester. However, he was unable to agree on terms with the Foxes, thus remaining a free agent in the market. Potter's track record includes notable stints at Östersunds FK in Sweden, where he guided the team from the fourth tier to the top division and into European competition, and at Brighton, where he established the club in the Premier League with an attractive style of play.
Leicester's decision to appoint Cooper is seen as a strategic move to ensure stability and progress as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League. Cooper's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team, with an emphasis on solid defensive organization and nurturing young talents, aligning with Leicester's long-term vision.
The Foxes, having recently secured promotion, are gearing up for a challenging season ahead. The management believes that Cooper's experience and proven track record at both the club and international youth levels will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Premier League. Fans are hopeful that under his guidance, Leicester can not only maintain their top-flight status but also aspire to achieve greater heights in the coming seasons.
As Cooper prepares to take the reins, the football community will be watching closely to see how his tenure unfolds at Leicester, a club known for its remarkable Premier League triumph in 2016 and its ambitions to return to the upper echelons of English football.
