Disappointing results and an uninspiring style aside, the former Forest manager was always fighting an uphill battle

By Ben McAleer for WhoScored

Few in Leicester would have shed a tear when news of Steve Cooper’s dismissal was announced on Sunday. Following in the footsteps of Enzo Maresca was tough enough and the club appointing a head coach dismissed by their rivals Nottingham Forest last December did not sit well with supporters. In effect Cooper had to scale a mountain to win over the fanbase.

Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Chelsea spelled the end of his second spell in the Midlands. That it was Maresca in the opposing dugout at the King Power Stadium was a cruel twist of fate. It extended Leicester’s winless run in all competitions to five and leaves them a point above the drop zone. Cooper has overseen two league wins, and one of those was at 10-man Southampton, where they came from two goals down to win 3-2.