Van Nistelrooy calls for unity during wretched run

It felt like Ruud Van Nistelrooy went out of his way to emphasise the unity at Leicester during his news conference on Friday.

That he was making the point and repeatedly using the phrase was even highlighted to the Foxes boss by the media.

Perhaps he lent on it too much but the message was clear: he needs his players to be behind him and each other to survive.

Van Nistelrooy said: "The relationship with players and managers and coaches is one of development, improvement and praise. Things which are done well are addressed, things which can be improved are addressed.

"We are united as a unit - as a squad and staff. I'm very motivated to change this situation. It's the only way to get out of a difficult situation. When you are in adversity, it's about unity, hard work and rolling up your sleeves."

There have been suggestions of heated discussions with players but what manager would not have them after seven straight defeats?

Van Nistelrooy has been in charge for just 56 days and he is already fielding questions about his position and whether there are fractures in the squad as his side sit second bottom in the Premier League.

That is no surprise amid their current form and they will equal a club record run of losses if they fall to an eighth straight defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.

Ultimately, Van Nistelrooy's words and calls for unity will be useless unless his side start to win.