Paul Heckingbottom has joined Leeds as Thomas Christiansen’s successor.
Newly-appointed Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom has told Sky Sports believes that he has been appointed because he works in a similar way to the Leeds board.
The 40-year-old put pen to paper on an 18-month contract on Tuesday, after the Yorkshire giants sacked Thomas Christiansen following Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Cardiff City at Elland Road.
The appointment is slightly controversial after Heckingbottom had signed a new rolling contract with Barnsley just last week, after what the Tykes confirm in a club statement as a “successful window” in January.
Heckingbottom revealed he has had plenty of talks with Leeds owners and director of football Victor Orta, stating that both parties are aligned in the way they work. He believes that the similarities is why he got the job.
“When I spoke to Victor and the owners [it was] really aligned in what I was thinking and how I like to work,” Heckingbottom said. “I’m presuming that’s why they thought I was the right man for the job as well because I’m aligned with how they like to work.
“So hopefully that’ll be good for us going forward. I can’t wait, it’s a big opportunity, a big football club and something you work hard for, so I’m planning to make the most of it.”
Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear.
Christiansen was given the boot after going on a winless run of seven matches, in which Leeds suffered defeat five times and picked up four red cards.
Heckingbottom must work out who he will play at centre-back on Saturday with Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson and Conor Shaughnessy injured, while Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi are suspended.
They face Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at lunchtime in front of the TV cameras, as Heckingbottom looks to get off to winning start in what will be a tough fixture at Bramall Lane.
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