After a difficult 24 hours, Steve Cooper has emerged as the obvious leader to become Leicester City’s new manager, surpassing Graham Potter and Carlos Corberan. The club’s three-week hunt for Enzo Maresca’s successor has seen them speak to a number of contenders, with former Nottingham Forest manager Cooper being the clear favourite to take over. There have been indications of advanced talks with the Welshman, as well as suggestions of an agreement.
Cooper, who has been out of work since leaving the City Ground in December, has been a candidate for Leicester’s new manager since the club’s search began. Over the last week, a clear top three emerged, with Cooper, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan making the final cut. City have long been fans of Potter, and there were reports on Tuesday night that they were closing in on the 49-year-old. However, misgivings on both City and Potter’s sides have resulted in a prospective deal falling through.
Potter has rejected down numerous employment offers in the 14 months after his Chelsea dismissal, most notably at Ajax. He’s also a candidate for the England job if Gareth Southgate leaves after Euro 2024. As a result, City have turned their focus to Cooper, who now appears to be the man in the dugout at the King Power Stadium when they resume their Premier League campaign in two months. The 44-year-old’s experience fighting relegation will serve him well, since City are likely to finish at the bottom of the league table this season.
If an agreement can be struck by the end of the week, Cooper will have a fortnight to prepare before the City squad resumes pre-season training on July 8. The preseason schedule has not yet been set, although City will play games in Europe and the United Kingdom.
