Leicester City has parted ways with Steve Cooper after just five months at the helm. The former Nottingham Forest boss leaves the Foxes sitting 16th in the Premier League, a single point above the relegation zone.
His final game, a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea, marked the end of a turbulent tenure marred by inconsistent results and controversy, including reports of players partying post-match.
The club has appointed first-team coach Ben Dawson as interim manager as they prepare for a crucial fixture against Brentford.
Meanwhile, speculation is rife about who will take the reins permanently, with notable names such as Graham Potter, David Moyes, and Ruud van Nistelrooy emerging as early contenders.
Gary Lineker, a Leicester legend, has weighed in on the discussion. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker acknowledged the suitability of experienced candidates like Moyes or Potter but voiced a preference for Lee Carsley.
“David Moyes would be a safe pair of hands, given his experience. Graham Potter is also an option as he seems eager to return to management,” Lineker commented. “However, if I had a say, I’d go with Lee Carsley. He’s shown incredible potential and coaching ability, particularly with young players.”
Carsley’s recent success as England’s interim manager and U21 coach has not gone unnoticed. He guided England’s U21 team to European Championship glory in 2023 and briefly managed the senior squad, achieving an impressive five wins from six games.
Despite his lack of extensive club-level experience, Lineker believes Carsley’s fresh perspective and coaching ingenuity could make him a bold yet worthwhile choice for Leicester.
“He’s imaginative and brave, and the respect he commands from players is evident,” Lineker added. “While it would be a challenging first club role, Carsley has what it takes to inspire and guide Leicester out of their current struggles.”
As speculation intensifies, Graham Potter leads the odds at 5/4, followed by Moyes (7/4), Ruud van Nistelrooy (11/4), and Mark Robins (12/1). Carsley, despite Lineker’s endorsement, is a long shot at 25/1.
The Foxes face a pivotal decision that could define their season. Will they opt for experience or take a chance on emerging talent like Carsley? The coming weeks will reveal Leicester’s strategy for their fight to stay in the Premier League.