RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has been slammed for his man management by a former star who says the Dutch boss ‘blocked’ him.
Odsonne Edouard spent time working with Van Nistelrooy while on loan with Leicester last season, but could not find his way into the team at the Kingpower.
The 27-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain and Celtic man joined for the year from Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
Initially under Steve Cooper, the French forward received little playtime, managing just 24 league minutes across three substitute appearances by the end of November.
A managerial change to up and coming manager Van Nistelrooy seemed set to offer Edouard a new chance to impress at the club.
But after just two minutes off the bench against his new boss’ former club Manchester United, Edouard would not feature again all season, and only featured in the squad at all once more.
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Now, in an interview with French outlet L’Equipe, he has slated the manager for his treatment under him.
Edouard said: “Being a great striker doesn’t necessarily mean being a great coach.
“After training, I would do an even harder session with my fitness coach. I didn’t give up.”
Van Nistelrooy, 49, was a legendary striker with United, where he won a Premier League title and an FA Cup while scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances.
Van Nistelrooy, 49, was a legendary striker with United, where he won a Premier League title and an FA Cup while scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances.
However the Dutchman’s young managerial career has not been quite such smooth sailing.
He was sacked by Leicester after leading them to relegation in 18th place last season, and has not found a job since.
“Leicester, it had a professional impact on me,” Edouard continued. “I don’t really have any reasons.
“At the beginning, I played a little [under Steve Cooper], then things didn’t work out with Van Nistelrooy.
“I didn’t get along well with Van Nistelrooy. I found myself blocked for seven months without playing.”
Edouard was deemed surplus to requirements in South London on his return from the loan and was quickly sold to Ligue 1 side RC Lens.
He has experienced a resurgence in the league where he played his first professional football, having already scored three goals in his opening six games in the competition.
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