Leeds United is again looking for a new manager following the dismissal of Paul Heckingbottom on Friday after only four months in charge. The club’s hierarchy have since stated that they are looking to bring in a “more experienced” manager to help end the club’s long exile from the Premier League.
Due to Leeds’ recent history of changing managers very easily, it may have come as no surprise to many that Heckingbottom has been relieved of his duties. However, the 40-year-old was only given 16 games to make an impact at Elland Road. He may have only won four of these games and led the Whites to a 13th-placed finish in the Championship, but he was not given enough time to make the team his own.
Whoever the club decide to appoint next will be the club’s 10th boss since 2014. That statistic alone could be enough to prevent any credible managers from taking the job. However, the size and history of the club could work in Leeds’ favour as they begin their search for a replacement.
The club’s managing director has stated that the club wants to make a “quick appointment,” so we will take a look at the top contenders to join Elland Road club following the dismissal of Paul Heckingbottom.
Marcelo Bielsa
One of the early favourites to take charge of Leeds United is 62-year-old manager Marcelo Bielsa. He has been unemployed since leaving Lille and has previously managed Newell’s Old Boys, Atlas, América, Vélez Sársfield, Espanyol, Argentina, Chile, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, and Lazio. This shows that he has vast experience in management, although he has yet to manage in English football, which could be a concern.
Bielsa is highly regarded by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, which shows that he is well respected within the game. Undoubtedly, it would be a risky appointment due to Bielsa’s lack of experience in English football. However, it could prove to be a risk worth taking, just as Nuno Espírito Santo’s appointment was for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season.
Mick McCarthy
Bielsa is a significant favourite for the hot seat at Elland Road, but one manager who should surely be considered is 59-year-old Mick McCarthy. After around six years at the club, the experienced manager left Ipswich Town towards the end of last season and was often harshly criticised despite doing a solid job on a shoestring budget at Portman Road.
He is a manager who would not be phased by the pressure and demands of being the manager of Leeds. He would make them very difficult to beat, albeit by potentially implementing a style of play that is not too easy on the eye. His style of play was one of his main downfalls at Ipswich, as the fans eventually became tired of it and wanted the club to take a new approach. However, it could work for Leeds if they are looking for a short-term fix and an immediate challenge for the Premier League. McCarthy could be a perfect replacement for Paul Heckingbottom.
Claudio Ranieri
Another manager that Leeds United have been linked with is ex-Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri. The 66-year-old guided Leicester to the Premier League title in the 2015/16 campaign, one of the greatest achievements in football history. He has since been manager of Nantes and was heavily linked with the Italy job before Roberto Mancini eventually filled that.
There is no doubt that it is unlikely that Ranieri would drop down to the Championship. However, he may be the type of manager who is drawn to such a historic club with a huge fanbase. There has been speculation that the club’s hierarchy have already met Ranieri, but this is unconfirmed. If Leeds could lure Ranieri to Elland Road, they would be among the favourites for promotion to the Premier League next season.
Could make an ambitious move for Sam Allardyce?
Similarly to Ranieri, a move for 63-year-old manager Sam Allardyce would also be hugely ambitious. The ex-England manager only recently left Everton after guiding them to a top-half finish in the Premier League and arguably being harshly treated. Undoubtedly, he would have a positive impact at Leeds due to his impressive managerial record at several different clubs. However, again, he is unlikely to drop down to the Championship, and Leeds would have to fork out a significant amount of money to persuade him to do so.
The dismissal of Paul Heckingbottom has opened the opportunity for top-rated managers. The Whites are hoping to unveil their new manager in the next few days, so we will not have to wait long to find out who will be next to try to guide the club back to the Premier League.