Steve Cooper has wasted no time in starting to build his backroom team after being appointed as Leicester City manager.
The Welshman succeeded Enzo Maresca following a three-week selection process, edging out Graham Potter for the position. Cooper returns to Premier League management after parting ways with Nottingham Forest six months ago. His primary task now is to ensure Leicester City’s successful return to the top flight.
Often, the difference between retaining Premier League status and facing relegation can come down to the smallest of margins. To maximize their chances, Leicester City is focusing on improving their performance in set-piece situations.
According to Mail Online, Cooper is set to bring in Andrew Hughes, a highly-regarded coach specializing in dead-ball scenarios, to his new-look backroom staff.
Hughes, formerly with Norwich City, is highly valued within the industry. Leicester City managed to attract Hughes despite interest from Brentford, whose set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva is moving to Chelsea. The superior training facilities at Leicester played a significant role in Hughes’ decision.
Last season, Norwich City was the third-best team in the Championship for set-piece goals, scoring 18 and conceding 12. In contrast, Leicester City scored only 11 and conceded 13 from set-pieces.
Cooper faces the challenge of rebuilding his coaching staff after Enzo Maresca took six of Leicester’s coaches with him to Chelsea earlier this month. This means Cooper must effectively start from scratch in assembling his team.
