Philippe Clement has been sacked by Ligue 1 giants Monaco in a potential boost to Leeds United’s hopes of hiring a new manager well in advance of the new Championship season.
With Victor Orta gone – paying the price for some poor signings and some even worse managerial appointments – just who is responsible for choosing the next man to take refuge in the Elland Road dugout?
Angus Kinnear, maybe? But does the CEO have the requisite ‘footballing knowledge’ to take on such a responsibility? Andrea Radrizzani, perhaps? Well he too could be on his way out; Leeds United’s Milan-born chairman seemingly setting his sights on Sampdoria these days.
Uncertainty in the dugout and in the boardroom. Not a particularly helpful combination, especially when you are a club in Leeds’ current state.
Who will be Leeds United’s next manager?
With pre-season around a month-and-a-half away, time may be on Leeds’ side but it’s certainly not unlimited. Any hopes Leeds had of luring Arne Slot away from Feyenoord went up in smoke months ago, while reports linking Rob Edwards with a move to West Yorkshire feel hopeful – at best- as Premier League football at Luton Town awaits.
Andoni Iraola is one name to keep an eye on; a disciple of Marcelo Bielsa confirming in May that he will be leaving Rayo Vallecano this summer.
Philippe Clement is also bidding farewell, albeit in less cheerful circumstances. According to De Telegraaf, Clement was an outside candidate to take over from Jesse Marsch in February. And, with Monaco now confirming that the 49-year-old Belgian has been sacked following an underwhelming campaign in the Principality, the phrase ‘watch this space’ comes to mind.
“This is a difficult decision to take as Philippe has given his all, and has always behaved in a professional manner,” explains Monaco’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell. “On behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for all his efforts.”
Monaco finished sixth in Ligue 1, missing out on European qualification as a result. Clement’s outstanding track record back home in Belgium means he is unlikely to be out of work for long, however; picking up a trio of Jupiler League titles during succesful spells at Club Brugge and KRC Genk.
It remains to be seen, however, if a coach used to Champions League football would consider moving to the Championship. Leeds were relegated from the Premier League last month, Sam Allardyce’s short-term contract subsequently expiring.
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