Ruud van Nistelrooy denied that he was overwhelmed by Leicester’s lack of transportation and says they had to flood “restrictions”.
The foxes were able to bring only the player during the January transfer window, with defender Woyo Coulibaly reaching Parma for £ 3 million.
Van Nistelrooy has appointed teenagers Jeremy Monga, 15, and Jake Evans, 16 years old, in his team to face Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.
Leicester, which is currently 18th in the Premier League, has PSR concerns to ensure that they comply with spending limits, which means they were unable to spend large sums of money.
The loan’s moves in January were also difficult due to the rules that stopped them from domestic loans due to the loanees Facundo Buonanotte and Odsonne Edouard, who signed last summer.
Palace Edouard’s striker has presented four times throughout the season, while Buonanotte has only started three times since Van Nistelrooy was appointed.
“Reality is not always as you wish,” the Dutch manager said. “I was part of the image and communication, so no surprise came, the development from November to the end of January, the reality came in.
“What we need to deal with, the opportunity and the restrictions go hand in hand.
“The idea was that there were some possibilities, but when the numbers came to the table they were different. We had to re -evaluate, look at the possibilities within this context.
“We were not able to get them. Simple fact. This is the reality. We tried, but the focus was on the impact players to strengthen the team. We did it with Coulibaly, we were able to strengthen, but no other possibilities were possible.
“I am quite realistic. I continue with it. Make the most of what we have. There are young talents.”
Leicester Select 15 and 16-year-old in FA Cup Squad
Shots away, Jake 💥 pic.twitter.com/3r9L1IEWPJ
– Leicester City (@LCFC) 6 February 2025
Van Nistelrooy’s decision to choose Teenage Duo Monga and Evans has increased the eyebrows, but boss Foxes believes that the competition of the Cup is a good opportunity to give young people some experience.
Van Nistelrooy said: “The fa cup is also fantastic to add new players to my team, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old-he will be part of the team, on the bench tomorrow,” he said.
“It’s a occasion where these things can happen. Opportunities for players.
“When I came, they come from the Netherlands. It is a country where you develop players and sign for teams in the biggest leagues.
“In my time on the PSV, it was great to participate in the development of Cody Gakpo, Noni Madueke, Xavi Simons, Jarrad Branthwaite, Johan Bakayoko, of Ismael Saibari – is fantastic as a manager working with these ladies.”
Fa Cup a welcome posting
Leicester has lost eight of the last nine Premier League games, but may put their poor championship on Friday when they visit Old Trafford before returning to Arsenal’s league actions next weekend.
As for whether Friday’s conflict is welcome or distraction, Van Nistelrooy said: “It is always welcome. We will do everything possible to be in the best possible and never distracted.
“Playing in this cup is a privilege and we want to show what we are in a fantastic game in Old Trafford.
“These games are more than welcome. It’s a dream for every player to play there.”
Return Old Trafford
Former united striker Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford for the first time as an opponent’s director, overseeing four games as a temporary boss after the removal of Erik Ten Hag earlier this season.
“It is special to return there. I have history as a player, as an assistant, as a guard, “he added.
“My focus is on the players and my team, to get the best of them and show what we are, in the fight and in the spirit.”
