Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed on April 20, 2025, following a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool. The result capped off a disastrous campaign that saw the club condemned to an immediate return to the Championship, just one year after bouncing back as second-tier champions.
Leicester’s problems began early, failing to win any of their first six matches. After 15 games, with the team languishing in 16th place, manager Steve Cooper was dismissed. The club then turned to Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former Manchester United assistant, hoping for a turnaround. However, his appointment failed to halt the decline.
Under Van Nistelrooy, Leicester set an unwanted record: they became the first team in England’s top four divisions to lose eight consecutive home games without scoring—a streak extended to nine after the Liverpool defeat.
By the time of relegation, Leicester sat 19th in the table, with only 19 points and a maximum of 18 left to play for, well adrift of safety.
Leicester’s managerial decisions mirrored the chaos at Manchester United earlier in the season. United sacked Erik ten Hag and briefly installed Van Nistelrooy as interim boss, a move that sparked a short-lived resurgence. Leicester, seeing Van Nistelrooy’s brief success, appointed him in hopes of similar results. However, the gamble backfired: in 20 games, Van Nistelrooy managed just four wins, one draw, and 15 losses.
Leicester’s struggles extended off the pitch. The club faced significant financial losses and the threat of a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) charge, compounding the pressure on a squad already low on confidence and form.
This relegation marks Leicester’s second drop in three seasons, a stark contrast to their 2015-16 Premier League title triumph. The club now faces the challenge of regrouping in the Championship, hoping for another swift return to the top flight.
“We have to use this time to get better. The club will continue and it is my job to put the club in the best place possible.”
Leicester’s relegation was the result of a disastrous combination of poor management decisions, record-setting home defeats, and deep-rooted financial issues. The club now faces a crucial summer as it seeks to rebuild for the future.