Darko Milanic didn’t last long as head coach of Leeds United, after Massimo Cellino sacked him after just six matches in charge.
The Serbian was appointed as Dave Hockaday’s replacement on 23 September, but has failed to secure a single win during his time in charge. It looked as though this could change on Saturday afternoon when the Whites took a 1-0 lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers, courtesy of a Mirco Antenucci goal, but the visitors hit back with two second-half goals to claim the points.
This was the Elland Road club’s sixth defeat in 14 Championship fixtures, and one which leaves them in 18th position in the table and just five points above the relegation zone. Yet nobody quite expected this would result in the departure of Milanic, who signed a two-year contract upon appointment, but then Cellino has once more showed just why he has such a controversial reputation.
Phil Hay, of the Yorkshire Evening Post, was the first to report the departure of the 46-year-old, posting on Twitter: ‘BREAKING: Massimo Cellino says he has sacked Leeds United head coach Darko Milanic tonight.’ He then added: ‘Cellino says Neil Redfearn will take over as head coach and will take training on Monday morning,’ before then tweeting: ‘Salerno is delivering the news to Milanic’ [Nicola Salerno is the sporting director of the Yorkshire club, brought in by Cellino].
It is also being reported that Cellino admits it was his mistake to appoint Milanic, who he has labelled ‘negative’ with ‘a losing mentality.’ Redfearn, who fancied the job when Hockaday was sacked, is sure to be in the running for the post again, particularly if he is given ample opportunity to impress whilst in caretaker charge. And besides, who else would fancy the job at the moment?
Cellino is fast earning a reputation as an owner you really don’t want to work for. His handling of Brian McDermott was shocking, when he first tried to sack him last season before he even completed his takeover of the club, and then finally showing him the door in the summer. The appointments of both Hockaday and Milanic were surprising ones, so who knows who he has lined up next?
It’s not the first time we have asked this question, but what is going on at Leeds? Let us know your take on the situation by joining in the discussion below.
