Foxes appoint coach who knows the Forest as Super Eagles midfielder's new boss

Wilfred Ndidi is enjoying the best time of his career at Leicester City offensively. (Photo Credit: LCFC/X)

Foxes appoint coach who knows the Forest as Super Eagles midfielder's new boss

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:49 - 20.06.2024

Leicester City name Steve Cooper as the replacement for Enzo Maresca who left for Chelsea.

Leicester City have confirmed the appointment of Steve Cooper as their new manager for Super Eagles’ Wilfred Ndidi, with the former Nottingham Forest boss set to lead the club's Premier League charge next season.

The 44-year-old replaces Enzo Maresca, who departed the King Power Stadium to take up a role at Chelsea and will be tasked with guiding the Foxes to the top flight after their Championship-winning campaign.

Foxes get former Forest man as coach

Cooper, who has agreed a contract until 2027, arrives at Leicester with a wealth of experience, having previously overseen Nottingham Forest's remarkable promotion to the Premier League and subsequent survival in the 2022/23 season.

"I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City's First Team Manager," Cooper told Leicester City website. 

Steve Cooper provides update on Taiwo Awoniyi
Steve Cooper provides update on Taiwo Awoniyi | Imago

"This is a fantastic Club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I'm looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League."

The Welshman's impressive CV also includes successful spells with Swansea City and England's youth teams, where he led the Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017, cementing his reputation as one of the most highly-rated young managers in the game.

Ndidi lifting the Championship trophy
Ndidi lifting the Championship trophy || Instagram

Leicester's chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, expressed his delight at securing Cooper's services, highlighting the 44-year-old's qualities as a coach and vision for the club as key factors behind the appointment.

"We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City. His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the Club," Srivaddhanaprabha said.

With the experienced Cooper now at the helm, Leicester fans will look to re-establishing the Foxes as a Premier League club, which will see the continued presence of Nigerian midfielder Ndidi, a key figure in the Foxes' promotion-winning campaign.

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