Gary Lineker has shared a bit of inside information regarding Ruud van Nistelrooy's appointment as Leicester City boss.
The Foxes sacked Steve Cooper after just five months in charge at the King Power Stadium, winning just two games out of 12 in the Premier League.
On Friday evening Leicester confirmed Van Nistelrooy as Cooper's replacement, signing a deal until June 2027. The Dutchman became available after it was decided he would not be staying on Ruben Amorim's backroom staff at Manchester United following a spell as interim boss.
After Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties, Van Nistelrooy took charge of United on four occasions, winning three and drawing one. Two of those victories came against his Leicester, with one in the Premier League and another in the Carabao Cup.
Graham Potter and David Moyes were both linked with the Leicester job and according to former player and staunch supporter Lineker, Van Nistelrooy was not the club's first choice.
Advert
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "Whoever you go for it’s a gamble. I understand, I’m informed behind the scenes that one or two managers turned it down.
"But it’s an opportunity for Ruud. It’s a big name to come to Leicester City and I hope it works out."
Van Nistelrooy officially takes charge of Leicester on Sunday, meaning first-team coach Ben Dawson will oversee the trip to Brentford. The former PSV manager is in attendance though and will watch from the stands ahead of working with the players on the training ground.
Advert
"It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City," chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said on Van Nistelrooy's appointment.
He joins a Club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together.
"Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our Club."
Get Sky Sports for £10 in 'cheapest ever' Black Friday TV package deal
This article contains affiliate links and LADbible Group might make a commission on anything purchased.
Advert
You can now get Sky Sports for the equivalent of just £10 in a Black Friday offer believed to be the cheapest price ever for the subscription service.
While Sky Sports isn't available as a standalone deal, it can be added to the new basic package (which is currently discounted to £19) for just £20 - bringing the total monthly fee to £39.
Given that Netflix is usually priced at £10, your Sky Sports package is the equivalent of just £10. But hurry, as the deal is set to end soon!
Topics: Leicester City, Gary Lineker
Josh Lawless