Ruud van Nistelrooij has heard the rumors about his upcoming, forced departure from the relegated Leicester City. However, the Dutch coach says he wants to continue with the Premier League club, which concludes the season on Sunday with an away match against Bournemouth.
“I have read it, but then I went back to work. Because that’s what I’m here for and that’s where I get motivation from,” Van Nistelrooij said on Friday at a press conference leading up to the final matchday.
Leicester City concludes the season on Sunday in Bournemouth. Whether the match in the coastal town will also be Van Nistelrooij’s last match on the bench for Leicester is still not clear. English media claim that he has to leave, but that this will only be announced after the season.
“For about six weeks now, it’s only been about the future here,” said the former striker. “That was also necessary due to the relegation, however sad. The past few weeks have been accompanied by development and results, and I want to continue that line with the players.”
But substantive discussions remained absent in recent weeks, to the dissatisfaction of the Dutch coach. “It would have been an opportunity for the club to look ahead early. I have always indicated that to the management, but they have to decide on it. I focus on my tasks and the match on Sunday.”
The 48-year-old Van Nistelrooij started at Leicester last November, which was already at the bottom of the Premier League at the time. He still has a contract until mid-2027 with the 2016 league champion.