Leicester City have confirmed they have sacked manager Steve Cooper. The 44-year-old took charge for the final time on. Saturday, with the Foxes beaten at home by Chelsea in the Premier League.
He leaves with Leicester 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone after being promoted under Enzo Maresca last season.
Steve Cooper after Leicester's 2-1 loss to Chelsea.
In a released statment, the club confirmed: "We have parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as first team manager with immediate effect."
Confirming the temporary structure following the decision, the statement continued: "Assistant manager Alan Tate and first team coach and analyst Steve Rands have also left the club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the club and with our best wishes for the future.
"Men’s first team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes. The club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible."
The development comes barely 24 hours afteer Cooper risked fauling foul of the PGMOL, having been scathing about referee Andrew Madley in the aftermath of his side's defeat. The Welshman was incensed after Stephen Madley was denied a penalty late on, with the hosts 2-0 down at the time.
Although Leicester were later awarded an injury time penalty, which Jordan Ayew converted, it only came after the initial offside ruling was overturned by VAR. "When you play against teams like Chelsea, it’s about capitalising on your moments and hoping that the game is refereed in the right way," said Cooper.
"We have had a tough season with the referee this year. This is the last thing the PGMOL needed this weekend, it’s not just a performance like that, but it being the first game as well. I felt a bit sorry for Howard Webb. That’s how it is."
Cooper was appointed in June on a three-year deal, after Maresca had departed for Chelsea. But his tenure has lasted just 15 league and cup games, and he becomes the second top-flight manager to lose his job this season after Erik ten Hag.
Since a comeback win at Southampton on October 19, Leciester have gone five games without a win. That has run has included four defeats, with the Midlands club signing off for the international break with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
This is the second time Cooper has lost his job at a Premier League club. Midway through the 2023/24 campaign, he was sacked by Nottingham Forest having previously led them to promotion and finished 16th in the previous campaign.
Chelsea are looking to land a second transfer after Liam Delap.Chelsea are set to launch a new bid for Mike Maignan.Chelsea reportedly face crucial days ahead in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, after already seeing one bid rejected. The France stopper is entering the last year of his contract at the San Siro and has been viewed as a market opportunity at a bargain price.The Blue...
Ajax have told Jordan Henderson he can leave for free this summer, with new head coach John Heitinga not counting on the experienced English international. Rumours have linked him with a sensational return to Sunderland, who will return to the Premier League in the 2025-26 season.Livramento to Man City currently on 'stand-by'Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento's m...
Sancho confirms Chelsea exitJadon Sancho has opened up after Chelsea refused to make his loan deal a permanent transfer and sent him back to Manchester United.Taking to Instagram, Sancho wrote: "Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home - teammates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, thank you, Blues."Modric...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker