"He’s got potential" - Exclusive: Leicester City told to avoid Ruud van Nistelrooy axe as EFL return looms | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Ruud van Nistelrooy's future at Leicester City

Lee Hendrie has claimed that Ruud van Nistelrooy deserves a chance to start next season at Leicester City.

The Dutchman’s future with the Foxes is currently uncertain as the club heads towards relegation to the Championship.

The ex-PSV Eindhoven boss took charge in November, and has struggled for results in that time, overseeing just three wins from 21 games.

Leicester went eight league fixtures without a goal before last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Brighton, losing on each occasion, leaving them 19th in the table.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester future

Hendrie has highlighted the difficult task Van Nistelrooy had to manage at Leicester, suggesting the squad simply isn’t squad enough to compete in the Premier League.

On that basis, he believes a summer overhaul is needed, and he’s suggested that the 48-year-old has earned the chance to oversee it, if he wants to.

“It’s absolutely one of them where a manager comes in, and I think expectation levels of what Ruud did when he took the reins at Manchester United, it felt like he turned a corner there, and I think that’s why he did end up getting the Leicester job,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“Was it the right call? It doesn’t seem to be the right one at the moment, and he doesn’t seem to be the right fit.

“They’ve showed certain signs, but I think that squad of players there is definitely needing a revamp and a freshen up.

“It’s whether they keep hold of Van Nistelrooy, I’d certainly give him a chance.

“I think in the Championship, and given the money and the right resources to bring players in next season for Leicester is going to be so important.

“And if that’s the case, I think a full season, or at least starting the season where he’s put his own stamp on things and brings his own players in, I think you’ll see a different Leicester side.

“Obviously, dropping down to the Championship you need to bring the right personality in.

“I certainly wouldn’t judge him on what’s happened at Leicester this season because I just don’t think the squad was anywhere near strong enough to survive in the Premier League from day one.

“And I think he’s got potential, Van Nistelrooy, to take the club forward, it just doesn’t seem that way obviously with the results and how things have gone since he’s gone into that club.”

Leicester are currently 17 points adrift of safety with only six games remaining, and can have their relegation confirmed with a loss to Liverpool on 20 April.

A lot of changes are needed at Leicester

The Leicester squad is in need of a refresh this summer, as it’s clear these players aren’t good enough to compete in the Premier League.

However, keeping Van Nistelrooy is a trickier decision, and a departure might be the best for both parties.

The supporters aren’t behind him or the team at the moment due to their miserable form, and it’s hard to see them getting back onside with the manager.

The manner of the team’s poor form has also been concerning, and is perhaps a sign that Van Nistelrooy isn’t the man to bring the club forward.