Michael Carrick, currently in charge of Middlesbrough, has been strongly linked with the vacant managerial role at Leicester City.
Following the dismissal of Steve Cooper, Leicester’s hunt for a new boss has intensified, with Carrick’s name rising quickly up the list of candidates.
Leicester’s Managerial Dilemma
Steve Cooper’s tenure at Leicester City lasted just 12 matches, leaving the Foxes languishing in 16th place in the Premier League with a mere 10 points. Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea underlined the challenges faced by the squad, making the need for strong leadership all the more urgent. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly keen to have a new manager in place before their upcoming clash against Brentford.
Carrick’s credentials as a rising star in management have made him a natural contender. His tenure at Middlesbrough has been marked by notable success, transforming the team from relegation candidates to promotion hopefuls within a season.
Carrick’s Rise in Management
The former Manchester United midfielder took charge of Middlesbrough in October 2022 when the team was languishing in 21st position in the Championship. Under his guidance, Boro climbed to a playoff position, finishing fourth by the end of the 2022/23 campaign. While they narrowly missed out on promotion, his impact was undeniable, boasting a 50.4% win rate in the league.
Carrick’s time as a coach began at Manchester United, working alongside Jose Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He even had a brief stint as caretaker manager, winning two matches, including a Champions League triumph over Villarreal. His growing reputation as a tactician and motivator has now brought him into contention for a Premier League role.
Carrick’s Thoughts on Premier League Management
Carrick has previously expressed his ambition to manage at the highest level.
“The level [of the Premier League] is so high and it’s just tough to make it there — there’s nothing in that, there’s no embarrassment, just is what it is,” Carrick told *The Sunday Times*. “It’s up to any coach, me, others, to be good enough to compete with the top coaches, just as we had to as footballers.”
His words signal a readiness for the challenge, aligning with Leicester’s need for a manager who can inspire and rebuild confidence within the squad.
Writer’s View
Michael Carrick represents a bold but calculated choice for Leicester City. His track record at Middlesbrough suggests he is adept at revitalising underperforming teams, a skill that Leicester desperately need. However, prying him away from a long-term contract at Riverside could prove challenging. Should the Foxes succeed, they would gain a manager with fresh ideas and an eagerness to prove himself at the Premier League level, potentially reigniting their season.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
