Steve Cooper's Dismissal: A Lesson in Football’s Need for Patience

Leicester City’s Struggles and the Case for Managerial Stability

I would have never fired Steve Cooper. Leicester City currently sits in the relegation zone, having won only four of their 28 matches this season. The club’s decision to dismiss Steve Cooper as manager on November 23, 2024, got us thinking about managerial stability in professional football. Cooper’s tenure, though brief, was filled with early challenges that perhaps warranted more patience from the club’s hierarchy. He was relieved of his duties just four months into his stint at the King Power Stadium, after securing only two wins in his first 12 Premier League matches. Given his prior success, particularly with Nottingham Forest, the decision raises questions about whether he was granted sufficient time to implement his vision.

Steve Cooper's Remarkable Journey with Nottingham Forest

Steve Cooper’s managerial acumen was most evident during his time at Nottingham Forest. Appointed in September 2021 when Forest was languishing at the bottom of the Championship table, Cooper orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. By the end of the 2021–22 season, Forest had climbed to a fourth-place finish, securing a playoff spot. Their remarkable momentum culminated in a 1–0 victory over Huddersfield Town in the playoff final, earning Forest promotion to the Premier League after a 23-year absence.

The following season presented significant challenges typical for newly promoted sides. However, under Cooper’s guidance, Forest managed to retain their Premier League status, finishing 16th. This accomplishment was particularly impressive given the club’s extensive squad overhaul, with 21 new players arriving—a British transfer record. Despite the difficulties of integrating so many new faces, Cooper’s leadership ensured the club’s survival.

Cooper’s Coaching Philosophy and Style

At the heart of Cooper’s success is his distinct coaching philosophy. He emphasizes organization and structure, fostering teams that are confident in possession and purposeful in passing. Defensively, his sides are composed yet aggressive, aiming to regain possession efficiently. His tactical preferences include the 4-2-3-1 formation, utilizing two holding midfielders and attacking wing-backs, though he has also deployed 5-3-2 and 3-5-2 setups to enhance defensive stability while maintaining attacking flexibility.

Cooper’s coaching approach is deeply influenced by his tenure at Liverpool’s academy, where he worked alongside former Barcelona B coach José Segura. This experience helped shape his tactical discipline and focus on nurturing young talent—principles that have been evident throughout his managerial career.

The Leicester City Episode: A Premature Decision?

In June 2024, Leicester City appointed Cooper, hoping he could replicate his success with Nottingham Forest. However, his tenure lasted only four months, ending in November after a series of disappointing results. The decision to part ways with Cooper so quickly raised concerns, especially considering the challenges inherent in transitioning between managerial philosophies.

Cooper’s approach, which encourages player input on tactics and signings, contrasted sharply with the more directive style of his predecessor, Enzo Maresca. This shift led to initial unrest among senior players, who struggled to adapt to the newfound autonomy. Such transitions require time to take root, and Leicester’s lack of patience may have disrupted the squad’s cohesion and performance.

Ruud van Nistelrooy: A Difficult Transition

Following Cooper’s departure, Leicester City quickly appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as head coach. However, van Nistelrooy does not yet possess the coaching pedigree to justify a Premier League appointment, and the timing of his arrival was far from ideal. Leicester needed an experienced, pragmatic manager with a proven track record in the Premier League to instill structure and organization, ensuring the club’s survival.

A younger, relatively inexperienced manager seeking to implement progressive ideas mid-season faces significant challenges. Integrating a new tactical approach during a tumultuous period often disrupts team dynamics rather than stabilizing them. Leicester’s continued struggles under van Nistelrooy’s leadership highlight the risks of abrupt managerial changes. The club’s inability to establish consistent performances and tactical organization has exacerbated their on-field difficulties.

The Case for Managerial Stability

Football history offers numerous examples of clubs that have benefited from managerial stability, even during difficult periods:

• Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United: Ferguson faced significant pressure in his early years but was given time to build a dynasty, leading United to unprecedented success.

• Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool: Klopp’s early seasons at Anfield were marked by inconsistency, but Liverpool’s patience eventually paid off with Premier League and Champions League titles.

Providing managers with sufficient time allows them to:

• Implement Tactical Philosophies: Establishing a cohesive playing style requires patience, particularly when transitioning from a different managerial approach.

• Build Player Relationships: Trust and understanding between managers and players develop over time, fostering stronger team cohesion.

• Navigate Adversity: Every team faces rough patches. A stable managerial presence can offer resilience during challenging periods, preventing knee-jerk reactions that may worsen long-term prospects.

Conclusion

Steve Cooper’s tenure at Leicester City was cut far too short and highlights the complexities of football management. His prior achievements with Nottingham Forest demonstrate his capabilities, while his struggles at Leicester underline the challenges of short-term, reactionary decision-making. The club’s rapid dismissal of Cooper raises broader concerns about the modern game’s demand for instant success. I am convinced Cooper would have led Leicester to more than two wins over a 16-game stretch.

For Leicester—and other clubs facing similar situations—trusting a manager to implement their philosophy over the course of a full season could lead to greater long-term stability and success. If clubs continually cycle through managers without allowing them adequate time, they risk undermining their own prospects for sustained progress. Stability breeds success, and Leicester’s current predicament serves as a cautionary tale for clubs that prioritize immediate results over long-term vision.