Leicester City players reportedly let their hair down in Denmark just hours before Steve Cooper was shown the door and sent a brutal message to their outgoing boss.
Sacked after a mere 12 games, Cooper’s tenure at the helm ended abruptly following a defeat by Chelsea, as the Foxes players were seen jetting off to Copenhagen. Ekstra Bladet caught the lads on camera, partying away despite their most recent setback.
Danish duo Jannik Vestergaard and Victor Kristiansen were in attendance, evidently pining for their old gaffer Enzo Maresca, whose successful promotion campaign last season had preceded his departure to Chelsea, consequently leading to Cooper stepping in at Leicester.
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In a clear show of yearning for their ex-coach, the players flaunted a banner stating “Enzo, I miss you” during their night outa strong indictment of Cooper, who managed only two wins out of the gate before his sacking, reports the Mirror.
It’s understood the atmosphere within the team played a pivotal role in Cooper’s ousting, with several players doubting his ability to prevent relegation despite his previous success at keeping Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
(Image: Ekstra Bladet)
It appears the hierarchy caught wind of the discontent brewing amongst the ranks and opted to cut ties with the man they had appointed just this summer, less than a third into the season. It is said that Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the club’s chairman and owner, was at the match against Chelsea and well aware of the murmurs of dissatisfaction.
The 44-year-old manager seemingly failed to charm the players and supporters remained sceptical, with the atmosphere at the King Power Stadium still tense despite recent victories.
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Top contenders for the now-open spot are former Chelsea chief Graham Potter, ex-Manchester United and West Ham manager David Moyes, while West Brom’s Carlos Corberan emerges as an unexpected candidate. The Foxes are eager to secure a new boss swiftly with pivotal matches against Brentford and West Ham on the horizon.
The club announced: “Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
“Assistant manager Alan Tate and first team coach and Analyst Steve Rands have also left the club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the club and with our best wishes for the future.”