Steve Cooper has lost no time in building his team of backroom personnel after being appointed Leicester City manager. Steve Cooper, Leicester City’s new manager, is said to have already set his sights on a first summer signing. After a three-week search, the Welshman was chosen as Enzo Maresca’s replacement, defeating Graham Potter. It marks his return to Premier League management after leaving East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest six months ago. Cooper now faces a massive task to ensure City’s first season back in the top level is a success.
Often, the smallest of margins determine whether a side retains their Premier League status in May, thus preparations are apparently being taken to ensure the Foxes get the most out of one aspect of the game – set pieces. According to the Mail Online, Cooper is ‘poised’ to recruit highly regarded coach Andrew Hughes, who specialises in dead-ball situations, to his new Leicester backroom team.
The former Reading and Leeds United player, who is apparently leaving a position at Norwich City, is well-regarded in the industry. According to reports, City have fended off comparable interest from Brentford, whose set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva will join Chelsea, with the club’s training facilities playing a significant role. Last season in the second tier, the Canaries were the third-best attacking side from set pieces, scoring 18 and surrendering 12 in defensive dead ball situations. Leicester only scored 11 and surrendered 13. Enzo Maresca had taken six coaches with him to Chelsea earlier this month, so Cooper has virtually had to start from scratch.
