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With banners flying at the stadium, it’s clear that Jon Rudkin, the director of football, and the club’s board have come under fire from fans this season. Many supporters hold Rudkin accountable for the team’s ongoing struggles, despite his previous role in the club’s historic Premier League triumph in 2016. Now, the sentiment among fans suggests a loss of faith in his ability to reverse the current decline.
The lack of public communication from the club’s leadership has further exacerbated the disconnect between fans and those in charge. While chief executive Susan Whelan engaged in dialogues with the Foxes Trust and the club’s Fan Advisory Board earlier this year, broader fan engagement has been lacking, leaving many supporters feeling unheard.
The future of the club’s leadership hangs in the balance. Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha faces critical decisions—whether to overhaul the management structure, particularly scrutinizing Martyn Glover, the head of recruitment, after numerous underwhelming transfer windows amidst financial constraints.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is palpable. Following a dismal record of only three wins in 22 games, including a staggering 16 losses in his last 18 matches, questions about his longevity at the club are inevitable. Van Nistelrooy himself acknowledged the ambiguity regarding his future, emphasizing the need for clarity from the club as they navigate these turbulent times.
The challenge of dismissing a second manager this season brings significant financial implications, especially given the club’s tight budget. Leicester City must weigh the cost of parting ways with Van Nistelrooy against the potential repercussions of retaining him, as the club’s trajectory continues to falter.
There is a broader recognition that the squad requires an overhaul, although only three players—goalkeepers Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward, and captain Jamie Vardy—are currently out of contract. Vardy, a pivotal figure in the club’s history and the last remaining link to their title-winning squad, represents a critical decision point for the organization, as his legacy and contributions are deeply ingrained in the club’s identity.
For Leicester to enact necessary changes, they will need to offload high earners in order to revamp a squad that has struggled significantly. Players like Wilfred Ndidi may be reluctant to face another season in the Championship, and it remains to be seen whether other key defenders will attract interest from prospective buyers as the club attempts to rebound from its current position.
On the bright side, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has emerged as a rare highlight and may draw attention from other clubs, as could Bilal El Khannouss, despite an unremarkable first season in England. The future of Harry Winks may also hinge on what transpires with Van Nistelrooy.
As with many clubs, compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules poses a significant challenge, with player sales likely necessary in the coming months. The threat of further action from the EFL looms, particularly after Leicester narrowly escaped a points deduction for a breach of these regulations in the past three years.
Although the club successfully argued that they were under EFL jurisdiction at the time of the charges, they will need to address the situation moving forward, ensuring that they adhere to necessary guidelines without operating in a vacuum.
As it stands, Leicester City knows that they are set to compete in the Championship next season. The lingering issues that extend well beyond Van Nistelrooy’s tenure must be addressed for the club to regain its footing. Although they managed a quick return to the Premier League during their last relegation stint in 2023, the path ahead looks considerably more precarious this time around.
Source
www.bbc.com