Leeds United’s recent search for a new manager has seen several high-profile names linked with the job, but after a number of candidates turned the job down, an alternative approach may have to be taken.
One potential solution that has been reported is the idea of hiring an interim manager until the end of the season, and, in our view, there’s one standout candidate in this field.
We’re talking about Sam Allardyce.
Now, we know how it sounds. It’s backwards, it’s boring, it’s ugly, it’s outdated, but, most importantly it’s effective and it gives Leeds a platform to go on and make a more exciting appointment in the summer. The appointment of Marcelo Gallardo – the Argentine is reportedly keen to take a job at the end of the season and has been approached by Leeds.
Our suggestion is hiring Sam Allardyce as an interim manager and then bringing in Marcelo Gallardo in the summer, and while this may not seem like the most glamorous solution, it could actually prove to be a smart move.
First and foremost, let’s examine Allardyce’s credentials. He is widely known as a survival specialist and has a proven track record of keeping struggling teams in the Premier League. He has a wealth of experience and his expertise in stabilising teams could be just what Leeds need right now.
This season, staying in the league is Leeds’ only goal, and Allardyce has proven time and time again that he is the man to achieve it.
Allardyce has also stated on his podcast this week that he would be up for speaking to Leeds about this job, so he’s an attainable target.
Gallardo, who could arrive in the summer, on the other hand, is an exciting manager with a wealth of experience and a trophy-winning pedigree.
He has made a name for himself in South America, winning several league titles and two Copa Libertadores trophies with River Plate. He is highly respected in the football world and his arrival at Leeds would be seen as a real statement of intent and a return to fashion with his exciting, attacking brand of football that you would associate with a South American.
However, Gallardo is not willing to take a job until the summer, and this is where Allardyce comes in.
Allardyce could take over as an interim manager, steady the ship and keep the club in the Premier League. This would then give the club time to plan their long-term future and make the necessary preparations for Gallardo’s arrival. By the time Gallardo takes over, the club will be in a stronger position and ready to kick on to bigger and better things.
Another important factor to consider is the possibility of new ownership. The San Francisco 49ers have an option to buy the club in the summer, and the arrival of a new majority owner could lead to a complete overhaul of the club’s infrastructure and direction.
Having Allardyce as an interim manager would give the club some stability during this period of transition, while also protecting Andrea Radrizzani’s Premier League asset, and allow the 49ers to assess the club’s needs before bringing in their own manager – whether that be Gallardo or someone else.
Fans have every right to turn their nose up at the idea of Allardyce, but there are worse, more damaging solutions for Leeds than bringing in Big Sam for a few months of boring, but effective, football.
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