Ruud van Nistelrooy stated he was “astonished” on the quantity of curiosity in him which got here after his spell as Manchester United interim, which he feels landed him the Leicester job.
The Dutchman was appointed as Steve Coopers’ successor on the Foxes on Saturday, solely 20 days after he left United following Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
Van Nistelrooy, who beforehand spent a yr in control of PSV Eindhoven, took cost of simply 4 video games following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, profitable three and drawing one however was left shocked at what number of alternatives it introduced him.
In his first press convention as Leicester boss forward of Tuesday evening’s recreation towards West Ham, the previous Purple Devils striker stated: “I assumed, ‘it was 4 video games, and I’ve managed a full season at PSV’. We received the Dutch Cup and the Charity Protect and the championship with Jong PSV as nicely.
“It by no means received this response from the soccer world. Apparently it provoked this response and I used to be solely proud of that.
“To get into conversations with completely different events, and to get right into a place which felt actually good for me. Now I’m right here.”
Welcome, Ruud van Nistelrooy 🦊 💙 pic.twitter.com/wHcwZc85eY
— Leicester Metropolis (@LCFC) November 29, 2024
Van Nistelrooy: Outcomes over type
Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Brentford leaves Leicester only a level above the relagation zone and Van Nistelrooy insists discovering the outcomes which information them to security can be extra essential than implementing a beautiful type of play.
The 48-year-old stated: “I’m pondering of 1 factor earlier than any recreation I put together, and that’s profitable. If you play prime groups within the Premier League, mid-table groups or lower-ranked groups, it generally requires a special strategy.
The type of play is adjusted on: ‘How can we win right here?’ I’m not the romantic sort of supervisor who places type in entrance of outcomes.
“I like type, I like having the ball, I like creating a lot of alternatives, urgent a workforce excessive, as a result of you’ve got extra of the ball, however we face opponents right here and we’re not the dominant facet on this league. We strategy each recreation on this league to win.”
Enzo Maresca dialog
Van Nistelrooy stated he spoke to Chelsea supervisor and former team-mate Enzo Maresca about taking the Foxes job after the Italian led the East Midlands facet to the Championship title final season.
He stated: “When the primary strategy got here, I assumed in regards to the membership, gamers, coaching floor and set-up. I used to be interested by individuals who labored there.
“Enzo is a superb buddy and team-mate was one of many first to name. What higher data might I get?
“After we performed towards one another after I was the interim supervisor [at Man Utd] towards Chelsea, we spoke for half an hour though I didn’t find out about Leicester on the time.
“He was very optimistic again then, and it solely received higher after I spoke to him once more. He was completely proper from the primary impressions I’ve received.”
Leicester switch window plans
Van Nistelrooy stated he was “open-minded” over how Leicester strategy the January switch market with simply six video games till the window opens.
“That was a subject of debate,” he stated. “The 2 conversations I had had been very open and clear. For me, it was essential to understand how issues are within the close to future but additionally within the longer future.
“January was mentioned, however what was additionally mentioned was the present squad. It’s most essential for me to get an evaluation of the gamers over the approaching weeks main into January and provides each participant the possibility.
“Additionally the workers members which might be staying, I’m working along with the people who find themselves nonetheless on the membership. I’m wanting to usher in extra folks, however am eager on working with them as nicely. Then we will resolve from there.”