Ruud van Nistelrooy involved in heated exchange with Leicester players after Fulham defeat – with one player the target of his anger

Ruud van Nistelrooy was involved in a heated exchange with his Leicester players after the home defeat by Fulham with Facundo Buonanotte among those on the receiving end.

The Foxes had just suffered a seventh consecutive defeat that leaves them fearing a second relegation in three seasons, ahead of a crucial trip to Tottenham on Sunday.

And the losing run has inevitably caused tension behind the scenes. Mail Sport understands Van Nistelrooy was especially frustrated with Buonanotte, with some players thought to have been surprised that the on-loan Brighton attacker was singled out on this occasion.

Buonanotte was a key man under former boss Steve Cooper but has started only three of nine league games since Van Nistelrooy took charge in November. In recent weeks, the 19-year-old has been unhappy with his lack of playing time, with Brighton even thought to have considered whether to cancel the season-long loan agreement.

Last weekend Buonanotte was a 71st-minute substitute, replacing Jordan Ayew three minutes after Adama Traore had put Fulham 2-0 up – which turned out to be the final score.

Buonanotte struggled to make an impact when he came on. According to data from Opta, he lost the ball nine times despite touching it only 16 times – though it is worth adding that attacking players are more likely to concede possession as they attempt riskier passes.

The Foxes had just lost for the seventh consecutive game as they continue to fear relegation

Mail Sport understands Van Nistelrooy was especially frustrated with Facundo Buonanotte

This was the second time in as many matches that temperatures were raised in the changing room. Mail Sport understands that following the 2-0 home defeat by Crystal Palace on January 15 some senior players held an inquest with the rest of the squad, trying to generate greater resolve and determination to escape the bottom three.

The message did not seem to be heeded, as Leicester’s display against Fulham was worse than the Palace one and caused fans to turn on the board and Van Nistelrooy.

Leicester did not comment.