Just when you thought Leeds United had taken a step in the right direction, they have been forced to take two steps back after the resignation of Garry Monk. After a promising first season at the Yorkshire-based outfit, he revealed in a statement that it wasn’t possible for “us (Monk and the board) to all move forward together.”
It’s a shame as Leeds nearly pulled off a top six finish a few weeks ago and had high hopes for next season. Having spent a year with the club, Monk knew his way around and his departure could potentially throw the transfer season into a melee.
There’s no point thinking what could have been and Leeds should move quickly to hire a new manager who can make use of the transfer market. The more time Leeds waste, the more targets they could lose to their Championship rivals.
Fortunately for the Whites, there are still a few managers out there who can take over from Monk and do a better job. Here are three of them.
#1 Aitor Karanka
A pragmatic coach, Aitor Karanka is a tried and tested option for Leeds. Although he failed to help retain his status of a Premier League manager having been sacked by Middlesbrough, he did take them to the top flight which should be Leeds’ only concern right now.
The Spaniard knows his way around the Championship and considering Leeds aren’t that far away from being a top six side, he could be the best option for the club.
#2 Claudio Ranieri
The Tinkerman was often termed as a failure for nearly achieving success at Valencia, Chelsea and AS Roma before a fairytale title triumph with Leicester City. Although he has never managed in the second division, he has the tactical know-how of doing a good job if placed on the hot seat.
Ranieri is being linked with a move to Crystal Palace after Sam Allardyce left recently, so Radrizzani and co. will have to act quickly if they are to secure the Premier League winning manager’s services. But then, if he does get a solid offer from Palace, you know which club he is likely to choose.
#3 Roberto Mancini
He took Manchester City above Manchester United, wouldn’t it be something if he did the same with Leeds? Of course, it’s extremely unlikely Mancini will come to Leeds, but considering what’s transpired of late, you can hope for it.
Mancini’s reputation, like Rafa Benitez’s, has taken a beating of late after multiple sackings following the Manchester City job. Benitez went from managing Real Madrid to Newcastle United, went down with them, and took them back to the Premier League.
You can only hope Mancini will do something similar with Leeds. With an Italian owner, there is still a possibility, no matter how small. He’s another manager who has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace, though.
At least one out or Ranieri and Mancini could be available. If Radrizzani could get either of them on board, it would be one hell of a start after some deplorable years under Cellino. Having said that, Karanka wouldn’t be a bad option at all.
