Leicester City news: Steve Cooper agrees deal to become Enzo Maresca’s successor

Steve Cooper will be Leicester City manager for the 2024/25 season after the Foxes decided he is the right man to replace Enzo Maresca, who left to join Chelsea earlier this summer.

Cooper has been out of work since last December, when Forest sacked him following a dismal run of just one win in 13 games.

The 44-year-old’s appointment at the King Power Stadium is hardly likely to set Foxes’ fans pulses racing, as his Premier League managerial record reads: 17 games - Won 3, Drawn 5, Lost 9.

Leicester will host Tottenham on home soil in their first game of the new season on Monday, August 19 (8pm kickoff), followed by a trip to face Fulham (August 24) and another home clash, this time with Midlands rivals Aston Villa, on August 31.

Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter had also been on high on Leicester’s wanted list - but is believed he is more interested in the possibility of replacing Gareth Southgate if he leaves his position at the conclusion of England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

READ MORE: Gareth Southgate knows fans will ‘lose faith’ if England don’t win Euro 2024

Cooper and Leicester reached an agreement for his services on Wednesday, June 19, giving him time to have a full pre-season with his players and assess his summer transfer window plans, when Leicester are likely to strengthen their squad for their top-flight return.

Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at Cooper’s career so far.

Early Coaching Career

Steve Cooper's coaching career began at the grassroots level, where he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience.

Wrexham Youth Academy: Cooper started his journey at Wrexham's Youth Academy, where he dedicated himself to nurturing young talent and laying the foundations for future success.

Liverpool Academy: In 2008, Cooper joined Liverpool’s esteemed Academy. At Liverpool, he played a pivotal role in the development of future stars, instilling in them the technical and tactical fundamentals that would shape their careers.

England Under-17 Team

Cooper's exceptional coaching abilities earned him the prestigious role of managing England's Under-17 team in 2015.

His tenure with the national team was marked by remarkable achievements:

2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Under Cooper's guidance, England's U17 team achieved a historic victory at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

This triumph not only highlighted Cooper's tactical acumen but also his ability to inspire and lead young players to the pinnacle of international success.

Swansea City

In 2019, Cooper took on the managerial role at Swansea City in the Championship, bringing his expertise and vision to club football:

2019-2021: During his tenure at Swansea, Cooper transformed the team into genuine promotion contenders. He led Swansea to the Championship playoffs twice, showcasing his tactical prowess and ability to maximize the potential of his squad.

Despite not securing promotion, Cooper's tenure was widely praised for the attractive and effective football his team played, as well as his adept management of young talent.

Nottingham Forest

In September 2021, Cooper embraced a new challenge with Nottingham Forest, a club with a rich history and passionate fan base:

2021-December 2023: Cooper's impact at Nottingham Forest was nothing short of transformative.

Taking over a struggling team, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding Forest from relegation threats to promotion hopefuls.

His strategic acumen and leadership culminated in Forest's promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2022, ending a 23-year absence from the top flight.

This achievement cemented Cooper's reputation as a manager capable of delivering success against the odds.

Coaching Style and Philosophy

Steve Cooper is celebrated for his focus on youth development and his tactical flexibility. His ability to adapt formations and strategies to suit his team's strengths is a testament to his deep understanding of the game.

Cooper's commitment to nurturing young players and fostering their growth has made him a highly respected figure in football management.

Future Prospects

With Leicester City back in the Premier League, Cooper faces the challenge of maintaining their top-flight status.

Given his track record and exceptional managerial skills, there is every reason to believe that he will continue to achieve great things.

Cooper's future in football management appears exceedingly bright, with many more chapters of success likely to unfold.

In summary, Steve Cooper's career is a story of dedication, tactical brilliance, and a profound impact on the teams and players he has worked with.

His journey is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the beautiful game.