Leicester City’s managerial situation has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, as the club struggles in the Premier League following the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy in November 2024. With the Foxes facing the real possibility of relegation, many are questioning whether the Dutchman will remain in charge next season. As Leicester City considers its options, a shortlist of potential managerial replacements has emerged, featuring names such as Danny Rohl, Russell Martin, and Lee Carsley. Each of these candidates brings unique strengths and experiences, and their potential appointment could shape the club’s future direction.
Van Nistelrooy’s Challenging Tenure
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s time at Leicester City has been far from smooth. Appointed with the hope of stabilising the team after a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season, Van Nistelrooy has faced mounting pressure due to the club’s poor form. Leicester City had failed to score at home in 2025 until their last game, and have suffered a string of disappointing results.
With Leicester’s future looking uncertain, many fans and sports bettors are taking to online sports betting sites to wager on who they think the next team manager might be. Currently, Russell Martin has 5/4 odds at most non GamStop betting sites of becoming the newest manager. However, fans who have another idea in mind can find odds for a variety of candidates, as well as other markets on the team.
Despite his best efforts, Van Nistelrooy has been unable to turn Leicester’s fortunes around. Under his leadership, the club has struggled to find consistent form, with defensive frailties and a lack of attacking cohesion plaguing the team. As a result, many believe that Leicester’s management may soon part ways with the former Dutch striker, as they begin to explore alternative managerial options for the future. The growing interest in online sports betting also highlights how fans and analysts are keeping a close eye on the club’s performances as they inch closer to relegation.
The Search for a New Manager
As Leicester City faces the possibility of relegation, attention has turned to finding a new manager who can lead the team back to the Premier League. The club has reportedly made contact with a number of managerial candidates, and while no decision has been made, three names have emerged as frontrunners: Danny Rohl, Russell Martin, and Lee Carsley.
Each of these managers brings a different set of experiences, and their appointment would signal a new chapter in Leicester’s quest for success. Below, we examine the strengths and potential drawbacks of each candidate.
Danny Rohl: A Proven Rebuilder
Danny Rohl is currently managing Sheffield Wednesday, where he has achieved considerable success since taking over in 2023. Under Rohl’s stewardship, Wednesday have gone from relegation candidates to a comfortable mid-table Championship side. His ability to organise a team and inspire improvement has made him a popular choice for clubs looking to rebuild.
Rohl’s experience in the Championship, particularly with a club that was struggling when he arrived, makes him an ideal candidate for Leicester City if they are relegated to the second tier. He has already demonstrated his ability to stabilise a team in crisis, and his work with Sheffield Wednesday has earned him a reputation as a talented manager with a strong tactical understanding. However, there is one significant hurdle: Rohl is under contract with Sheffield Wednesday until 2027. This means that Leicester would have to pay compensation to secure his services, a potential stumbling block in their pursuit of the German coach.
Russell Martin: A Championship Expert with Premier League Experience
Russell Martin’s managerial career has been marked by a mixture of success and challenges. After leading Swansea City to promotion contention in the Championship, Martin moved to Southampton in the Premier League. However, his time at Southampton was far from successful, as the team struggled under his leadership and ended up in a relegation battle. Despite a disappointing Premier League campaign, Martin’s reputation remains strong due to his previous success in the Championship, where he led teams to promotion.
Martin’s ability to manage in the second tier could prove beneficial for Leicester, particularly if they are relegated to the Championship. His previous experience in the division suggests he knows what it takes to secure promotion, which is likely to be a priority for Leicester should they drop down. However, his recent Premier League struggles raise questions about his ability to manage in the top flight, and his poor start at Southampton may dampen his candidacy for some fans and analysts alike.
Lee Carsley: Experience with England’s Youth Teams
Lee Carsley is another name that has surfaced in discussions about Leicester’s managerial future. Having most recently served as interim manager of the England national team, Carsley has gained valuable experience at the highest level of international football. He is currently the manager of the England Under-21s, where he has enjoyed considerable success, overseeing five wins in six matches.
Carsley’s success with England’s youth teams demonstrates his ability to work with young talent, a quality that could be important for Leicester as they look to rebuild following a potential relegation. His understanding of the game at the international level also positions him as a manager capable of handling high-pressure situations. However, Carsley’s lack of recent experience at club level could be a concern. His last role in charge of a club was in 2017, and since then, he has focused on international management. This gap in club management experience may lead some to question his readiness for the pressures of a Premier League job.
Who Is the Leading Candidate?
Of the three candidates, Danny Rohl is widely considered the leading contender for the Leicester City job. His success at Sheffield Wednesday and ability to turn around a struggling team make him a strong option for Leicester, particularly if they are relegated to the Championship. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate players make him an attractive choice for a club looking to rebuild. However, Leicester will need to negotiate a compensation package with Sheffield Wednesday, which could complicate matters.
Russell Martin and Lee Carsley remain viable options, but their recent managerial experiences, particularly in the Premier League, leave some uncertainty about their suitability for the Leicester job. Martin’s struggles at Southampton and Carsley’s lack of club management experience in recent years could be seen as drawbacks.