Carragher Tears into Van Nistelrooy’s Tactics After Leicester’s 4-0 Thrashing at Newcastle
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, questioning his tactics and team selection after the Foxes’ humiliating 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United yesterday.
Carragher, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports, was left stunned by Leicester’s abject performance, which saw them concede four goals without reply at St. James’ Park.
“Leicester City’s performance was absolutely shocking,” Carragher said. “They were outplayed, outmuscled, and outclassed by Newcastle United. It was a humiliation, and Ruud van Nistelrooy has to take responsibility for that.”
Carragher was particularly critical of Van Nistelrooy’s decision to start with a back three, which was repeatedly exposed by Newcastle’s pacey attackers.
“I don’t understand what Van Nistelrooy was thinking with his team selection,” Carragher said. “Leicester City has been struggling defensively all season, and to go with a back three against a team like Newcastle, who have pace and power in attack, was just asking for trouble.”
Carragher also questioned Van Nistelrooy’s failure to make changes to his team’s shape and tactics during the game, despite being overrun by Newcastle in midfield.
“Van Nistelrooy seemed to be stuck in his ways, refusing to change his team’s shape or tactics, even when it was clear that they were not working,” Carragher said. “As a manager, you have to be willing to adapt and make changes during the game, but Van Nistelrooy seemed reluctant to do that.”
The former Liverpool defender also criticized Van Nistelrooy’s decision to leave out some of Leicester City’s most experienced players, including captain Jonny Evans and midfielder Youri Tielemans.
“Leicester City has a lot of experienced players in their squad, but Van Nistelrooy seems to be favoring some of the younger players,” Carragher said. “While it’s good to give young players opportunities, you also need to have experienced players in the team to provide guidance and leadership.”
Carragher’s criticism of Van Nistelrooy was echoed by other pundits, including former Newcastle United player Alan Shearer.
“Leicester City was poor defensively, and Van Nistelrooy’s tactics didn’t help,” Shearer said. “Newcastle United took advantage of Leicester’s weaknesses and deserved their win.”
The defeat to Newcastle United has left Leicester City struggling in the Premier League, with the Foxes currently sitting in 14th place. Van Nistelrooy’s job is now under pressure, and he will need to turn things around quickly if he is to avoid the sack.
As for Carragher, he will continue to speak his mind and offer his expert analysis on Sky Sports. The former Liverpool defender is known for his honesty and forthrightness, and his criticism of Van Nistelrooy will undoubtedly spark a lively debate among football fans.
In conclusion, Jamie Carragher’s criticism of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tactics and team selection after Leicester City’s 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United has sent a strong message to the Leicester City boss. With the Foxes struggling in the Premier League, Van Nistelrooy needs to turn things around quickly if he is to avoid the sack.