Leeds legend Ian Harte speaks out on the club’s manager chase.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds United hero Ian Harte has spoken out on Garry Monk’s shock departure from the club.
Monk stunned the Whites a week ago by handing in his resignation despite a successful season at the club.
Speaking to 888Sport.com, former Champions League semi-finalist Ian Harte says he has full faith that new owner Andrea Radrizzani will make smart decisions regarding Monk’s successor.
Ian Harte
Harte said: “For everything Garry Monk did last year, I’m gutted. With the new investment, the new owner and all the plans they had it was tailor made for Gary which makes me think something bigger has come along with a bigger financial package. It all seems a bit strange.”
“The sad thing about it is, I’m sure deep down, Gary Monk was 100% happy at Leeds. He’s done an unbelievable job, the Leeds fans love him, Andrea Radrizzani loves him.
“It looked like Leeds were the most stable they’ve been for a very long time and as soon as there appears to be a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, all of a sudden there’s a spanner in the works. All we can do now is wait for the board to act and hopefully make the correct decision for the club in picking Gary’s successor.”
Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is favourite to replace Monk
The current favourite to land the role is former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, who left Teesside in March.
Leeds finished in seventh place last season and had been strongly fancied to reach the play-offs. Despite a disappointing end to the campaign, it was still the Whites best finish in seven seasons.
The club remain one of England’s sleeping giants, and Radrizzani needs to get his next move right if Leeds are to unlock their huge potential.
- Read the full 888sport interview with Ian Harte, including his thoughts on what made the 2001/02 Champions League squad so special.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
