Leeds United and Crystal Palace both entered the season with new managers with similar background. One is already out of a job.
Crystal Palace’s appointment of Frank de Boer could not have panned out worse, with the Dutchman fired after just four games.
Palace wanted to the forward thinking coach to instil a new philosophy at the club, with De Boer a student of Johan Cruyff’s masterful Total Football at Ajax and Barcelona.
The plan at Palace was admirable, even if it proved too much of a jump for a side coached by Sam Allardyce to suddenly master.
De Boer failed in similar circumstances at Inter Milan – and perhaps Palace’s process was correct, but they simply hired the wrong guy.
Leeds United made a left-field move this summer when they appointed Thomas Christiansen, a manager who led Cypriot side APOEL to their league title last season.
Christiansen is another student of the Cruyff regime, a former Barcelona player who has cited the Dutch legend’s philosophy as a major influence on his coaching approach.
The Spaniard may not be a household name outside Leeds just yet, but he is proving a shrewd coach with Leeds losing only one of 11 games in all competitions.
They sit top of the Championship, currently on pace to swap divisions with the Premier League’s bottom ranked side Crystal Palace.
It looks like the Whites hit the target with their managerial appointment, and nailed just what Crystal Palace were trying to do themselves – only their lower profile appointment is enjoying far greater success.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
