Alan Smith reveals ‘only’ manager he wants at Leeds United
The former Leeds United and England striker has discussed he would like to see in charge at Elland Road.
Speculation over Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds United has increased as the Whites have slipped into the Premier League relegation zone on the back of a run of five defeats in their last six games.
The former Norwich City manager has endured a challenging return to the top flight after guiding his side to the Championship title last season and some of the momentum built up by wins against the likes of West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton has been quelled by the recent downturn in form. Although there has been no official confirmation over Farke’s future, several managers have been linked with a move to Elland Road with the likes of Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers suggested as potential changes should the Whites hierarchy opt to make a change in the dugout.
Leeds icon Marcelo Bielsa was also linked with a shock return to the club - although he has now confirmed he will remain in charge of Uruguay as they prepare for next summer’s World Cup finals after speculation had suggested he could leave the role.
Former Leeds star Alan Smith has discussed a shock name he believes would ‘guarantee’ his old club would have preserved their Premier League status by showing the intimidation and pragmatism he has displayed throughout a special career in the dugout.
Former England international Smith, speaking exclusively to Yorkshire Evening Post via BritishGambler.co.uk said: “I dare to think how much (Jose) Mourinho has made, not just from actually managing, but from being sacked from managing. It is scary, but I'm sure everyone wants to succeed, and I'm sure that, especially when you get to that level. Mourinho's different because he's had the real, real success, he would always get a job based on what he's done previously, and how he is, and I would have taken him at Leeds at the start of the season all day long.
“Mourinho was the only manager that I would have wanted at the start of the season for Leeds. I think he was the only manager that we could have got that would have guaranteed us to stay up, 100%. Everyone hates Mourinho, and you need someone who is exactly like your personality. Just Mourinho himself would have got us points just through his intimidation, or just through how pragmatic he is or how he's not bothered.”
Your next Leeds United read: Predicted Leeds United line-up vs Man City with injury replacements, Gnonto, James calls and shape decision