Leicester City players have been reprimanded for their behavior during a recent trip to Copenhagen, an issue the club has swiftly dealt with, according to interim manager Ben Dawson. The squad traveled to Denmark on Saturday after their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea, a visit that coincided with the dismissal of head coach Steve Cooper just a day later.
Unverified footage surfaced showing players enjoying a night out at a club, with a sign referencing former boss Enzo Maresca reading, “Enzo, I miss you.” Speaking about the incident, Dawson confirmed that the club made its stance clear. “The key message to the players was that their conduct was not acceptable. We’ve addressed it internally, and the focus is now on moving forward,” he stated.
Dawson emphasized that while time off is important, the players must remain mindful of their responsibilities. “The break was planned, and the players were entitled to use it as they wished, but this particular matter was handled quickly, and we’ve moved on,” he added.
Dawson Steps In After Cooper’s Dismissal
The interim manager will oversee Leicester’s upcoming Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday, with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy expected to take over as head coach soon. Dawson’s temporary role began under unusual circumstances, as he learned of Cooper’s departure while enjoying a family outing.
“I was at laser tag with my wife, my two boys, and some local grassroots players and parents,” Dawson revealed. “When the news became public, I had to keep calm despite the questions flying my way.”
After receiving confirmation of Cooper’s exit, Dawson contacted his predecessor and his staff. “It was important to check on Steve and his team. Like the players, it was my day off, and I was trying to recharge with family, but I had to refocus quickly,” he explained.
Leicester Faces Premier League Challenges
Currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table and just one point clear of the relegation zone, Leicester’s struggles on and off the pitch have heightened the stakes. Dawson stressed the importance of turning attention to their next game, stating that training sessions have been geared toward delivering a strong performance.
As the Foxes prepare to face Brentford, the focus remains on stabilizing their season while awaiting Van Nistelrooy’s anticipated arrival.
