Ruud van Nistelrooy shared his thoughts after guiding Leicester City to a 3-1 victory over West Ham in his first match as manager. The win was crucial, with Van Nistelrooy acknowledging the importance of securing three points in their current position. “At the end of the day, you look at the result and the three points. In the position we’re in, these are vital,” he said.
Improving Key Aspects of the Game
The Leicester boss highlighted several areas that need attention, especially defensively. While the team managed to secure the win, Van Nistelrooy pointed out that West Ham had moments of dominance and created several dangerous opportunities. “We need to improve our defense, counter-attacks, and possession. West Ham were dominant at times, and we need to address that moving forward,” he explained.
He also emphasized the importance of better coordination in pressing, noting how they missed key moments to apply pressure on West Ham.
Togetherness and Team Spirit
Van Nistelrooy was clear that the foundation of Leicester’s success this season would be their team spirit, energy, and fighting attitude. “Togetherness, hunger, energy, and spirit are non-negotiable for us. That’s the foundation we need to build on,” he said. The manager was pleased to see these qualities in action during the match, noting that the team’s collective effort was vital in securing the win.
The Impact of the Fans
When asked about the role of fans, Van Nistelrooy highlighted how the connection between the team and the supporters can fuel performances. He believes that when the team competes and fights for every inch, the fans respond positively, and this energy has a significant impact on the game. “When you see a team that is competing and fighting together, it will have an impact on the stands. It drives our performance,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Van Nistelrooy was quick to acknowledge that there’s still plenty of work to be done, but the win provides the team with a solid foundation moving forward. “We have a lot to work on, but I’m very happy with the three points. We’ll keep working to improve,” he concluded.
