A new report has detailed why Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has axed former England international Harry Winks from his squad, with the pair being involved in a ‘heated row’ over the international break.
Since taking charge in November, former Manchester United interim Van Nistelrooy has endured a miserable four-month run at the King Power.
In fact, after losing 14 out of their last 15 games in the league, the Dutchman’s future is under intense scrutiny as they look destined for the Championship next season with just eight games remaining.
Van Nistelrooy will be hoping to improve matters on the pitch when they take on Newcastle this weekend, but it remains to be seen whether Harry Winks will be involved after he missed their clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.
With the Foxes sitting 12 points behind 17th-placed Wolves, it has now emerged that Winks was excluded from Van Nistelrooy’s squad for the game with City as the Dutchman was angry with a perceived lack of discipline.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Van Nistelrooy was involved in a heated confrontation with Winks after the midfielder ‘declined a request to stay overnight one day a week at Leicester’s training ground’.
Van Nistelrooy is said to have asked Winks to compromise on his 100-mile daily commute to the club’s training ground over the international break.
But Winks refused, saying he has private reasons for commuting from Hertfordshire every day, which he has done since joining the club last season under Enzo Maresca, who allowed the former Spurs man to travel without any issues.
Van Nistelrooy is under increasing pressure at the King Power. Image credit: Getty
Asked about his future last month, Van Nistelrooy gave an insight into his thinking.
“I signed a contract for two more years after this one,” he said. “I was aware when I arrived what the challenge was and how difficult it could be. I was aware of that and committed to that future.”
He added this week: “For me it’s not something where I feel I want to run away from. I want to be part of this and I want to fight for this with the squad.
“That’s every day. So that’s also leading into Monday’s game. It’s another opportunity for us and we can only hope for some support in our own stadium.”
Thoughts on the news surrounding Van Nistelrooy and Winks? Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Leicester City, Premier League
