JibrinGary Rowett has been appointed as the new manager of Leicester City, but also on the shortlist was a Swedish tactician.
Leicester City had the Swedish coach among their final contenders for the managerial post before opting for Gary Rowett, Pete O’Rourke has confirmed.
Leicester City are in turmoil as they battle to avoid relegation from the Championship. The protracted search for Marti Cifuentes’ successor has left supporters exasperated, with interim boss Andy King losing every one of his four matches in charge.
Fortunately, LCFC appear to have sprung into action with Gary Rowett on his way. The seasoned Championship manager will be tasked with guiding the Foxes to safety, likely before a decision regarding the permanent role is reached in the summer.
Speculation regarding potential targets has been rampant, and with Rowett heading to the King Power Stadium, it has now been revealed that a Nordic boss was also in the running. That is according to Pete O’Rourke, who shared the news on X.
The Leicester City position would have represented the 47-year-old’s return to management after approximately six weeks. He was let go from his role with Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen in early January.
Would the Swede have been a shrewd appointment for Leicester City?
There would undoubtedly have been an element of uncertainty behind appointing the Scandinavian at Leicester City. His reputation remains solid following his departure from Aberdeen, however.
The man from Sweden was a major success in his debut season in Scotland, arriving at Pittodrie following two lengthy and fruitful stints with J-Sodra IF and Elfsborg in his homeland. Thelin brought success to Aberdeen as well, guiding them to a 5th-place finish and securing a first Scottish Cup in 35 years.
There was optimism that they could progress in 2025/26, but consistent form proved elusive. Defeats in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers and subsequently in the Conference League led to his departure. However, Thelin exited with his honour and pride untouched and continues to be highly regarded by the club’s supporters.
It would have rendered the LCFC job a significant challenge for the 47-year-old. Many would have questioned whether he could be entrusted with such a critical mission, making the move for a more seasoned campaigner like Rowett understandable.
The challenge awaiting Gary Rowett at Leicester City
There is no denying that Rowett faces a monumental challenge at Leicester City. He must halt the decline, with the Foxes plummeting from Premier League champions to Championship relegation candidates over the last decade.
Cifuentes was entrusted with steadying the ship but was unable to do so. Off-field transformations are on the horizon with James McCarron arriving as sporting director, but Rowett’s priority is simply to secure results, and quickly.
Next up for LCFC is a visit to an out-of-sorts Stoke City side. The Foxes are desperate to end a four-match losing streak in the Championship.
Jibrin
