Today, Leicester City have announced the appointment of former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper as their new head coach.

This comes following the departure of Enzo Maresca - who left the club to join Chelsea.

Leicester City Football Club can confirm the appointment of Steve Cooper as our new First Team Manager 🔵

— Leicester City (@LCFC) June 20, 2024

The question on everyone’s minds though is what will Steve Cooper bring to this Leicester side and can he keep them in the Premier League this season?

Well, based on his time at Nottingham Forest it’s safe to say that the Foxes will be in safe hands under Cooper.

His philosophy stems around being well organised and having a good structure. He likes his teams to be well disciplined defensively and equally brave on the ball when going forward.

Defensively he implements a solid structure allowing for his team to counter attack quickly. Something that Leicester have seen success with in the past. But, most importantly, when attacking he likes very quick, direct football. They will likely look to take advantage of this with some of the attacking talent already in the squad.

Expect players like James Justin and Wout Faes to be key members of Cooper’s squad with wing backs playing a key part in his set up.

Steve Cooper’s open letter to Leicester City fans🗣️ #lcfc #leicestercity pic.twitter.com/N8aQJ870pg

— The Final Whistle (@TFWhistle__) June 20, 2024

Speaking on the appointment, Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said:

“His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the club.

As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the club in the Premier League.”

Cooper joined Forest when they were at a very low point. However he managed to guide them from bottom of the league to a fourth place finish and promotion to the Premier League. Then to make things better he ensured their survival in the top flight the season after arguably against all odds. Becoming very much a fan favourite.

I’d argue that this Leicester side is a lot stronger than that Forest side as well. Often dominating games, scoring a lot of goals and better still conceding very little. It will be important to keep hold of some of their key players from last season as well as strengthening the squad but if they do that Leicester could be in for a good season.

Steve Cooper fits Leicester City. After all, most of their fans don't really believe in Maresca's football.

They mostly believe Maresca's football won't work for them in the Premier League.

They forget they have a lot of players with Premier League experience. Also, they beat…

— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) June 20, 2024

This appointment is very much a step in the right direction for the club. It would have harmed them losing Maresca so easily however they have been smart with the appointment of Cooper who has proven he can keep sides in the Premier League.

They may not have the easiest start to the season coming up against Tottenham on the opening day before facing Fulham and Aston Villa in the following weeks. However, these opening games will surely suggest to everyone just how Cooper will use this team going forward.

The choice to appoint Cooper could be a difference maker in their Premier League status.