Thomas Christiansen’s lack of a reputation in England has left some Leeds United fans feeling less optimistic about his appointment.
Thomas Christiansen
When Thomas Christiansen was unveiled as Leeds’ new manager, it seems that the reaction amongst the fans was largely divided.
While some are feeling cautiously optimistic about his appointment, others are concerned, seemingly due to his lack of Championship experience and the fact that he has only previously managed in Cyprus.
And unless the club manage to pull off some stunning signings who then credit the Dane’s presence as the main reason for their arrival, it will only be when the team take to the pitch when the new Championship season kicks off that Christiansen will really have the opportunity to win the sceptics over.
And, potentially fortunately or unfortunately, the fixture list has handed Christiansen two fixtures to kick off that, because of the opponents, could perhaps have major implications for his hopes of winning the fans over early on.
Bolton Wanderers manager Phil Parkinson was linked with the Leeds job
Leeds begin their campaign away at Bolton, in a game that will see Christiansen line up against Phil Parkinson, who was reportedly one of the men Andrea Radrizzani was considering appointing before he decided upon the 44-year-old (via Daily Mail).
That game is followed, in the league anyway, by a home game against Preston North End. While Lilywhites boss Simon Grayson’s name was not one that appeared to be actually linked with the Leeds job following Monk’s departure, there is no question that he would have been a popular appointment with a large section of the Elland Road faithful given the success he enjoyed with the club when he was in charge.
Preston manager Simon Grayson will always be a popular figure amongst the Leeds fans
Therefore, not only would two poor results leave Christiansen facing an even greater uphill battle trying to win his doubters over, but the fact that they would come against another manager linked with the job before his appointment and a boss who will always be remembered fondly by the Leeds fans would surely mean that poor results against the two may leave supporters suggesting that they have got the wrong man.
However, positive results against Bolton and Preston would take on extra significance as those who may have thought that Parkinson or Grayson would have been good appointments could then feel that Christiansen does have the potential to prove himself to be an excellent head coach for the club.
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