Ruud van Nistelrooy has endured a difficult start to life at Leicester. (Image: Getty)
has reportedly clashed with a second player, after rowing with Facundo Buonanotte, this time taking aim at Caleb Okoli over his choice of boots.
A dark cloud is brewing over the King Power Stadium after seven consecutive defeats, with Van Nistelrooy taking frustrations out on his players.
claim that after a 2-0 defeat at home to last time out, the Dutch boss singled out Okoli, even though the £12million summer signing did not play in that match.
He fumed at the defender’s choice of boots, claiming that they made him slip over frequently. The 23-year-old was so stunned by Van Nistelrooy’s attack that he demanded a meeting with director of football Jon Rudkin.
Okoli is now set to depart Leicester before the January transfer window closes, having made 16 appearances this season including 13 league starts.
Van Nistelrooy had , singling out the Argentine second-half substitute, which left the rest of the dressing room stunned.
Caleb Okoli was subject to fury from Ruud van Nistelrooy. (Image: Getty)
“Today was extremely disappointing because it wasn’t good enough in all aspects of the game,” Van Nistelrooy said after defeat to Fulham. “I observed more promise in the 2-0 loss to last Wednesday than in today’s performance.
“Of course, results are painful and disappointing, but we fell short in too many areas that are crucial for winning a football match. We have to confront this reality. We cannot alter it. We must face it. Don’t feel sorry for anyone.”
Van Nistelrooy is also unhappy with the lack of activity in the transfer market, according to , after being promised that funds were available when he took the job in November.
Leicester have brought in right-back Woyo Coulibaly for just under £2m from Parma, a team said to be interested in signing Okoli this month.
While funds from the £10m sale of Tom Cannon to are expected to be reinvested, with an attacking player set to be targeted.
Fan protests to the board are also planned for Leicester’s next home match against on February 15, over the direction of the club, as they are in danger of being sent back to the if current form continues.