Leeds United are enduring a torrid time in their search for a manager, but could now secure the perfect fit…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to journalist Miguel Delaney of the Independent as he suggests that the Whites have approached Feyenoord boss Arne Slot regarding taking over in the Elland Road dugout.
It’s noted in the report that the Dutchman has emerged as the preferred candidate for the job, having been snubbed by both Carlos Corberan and Andoni Iraola in quick succession.
The 44-year-old has become one of the most coveted coaches across Europe for his work in his homeland and could emulate the successes of Erik ten Hag should he join his arch-rivals.
Could be their own Ten Hag
Having joined Manchester United in the summer, the 53-year-old had shone as head coach of a rampant Ajax side. He had led them to numerous trophies including three Eredivisie titles and a Europa Conference League final, whilst averaging 2.34 points per game.
This success was packaged in a wonderful free-flowing style that saw him chosen as the man to reignite the Red Devils.
With Leeds in need of a similar revival, but in a far more precarious position, Slot shares plenty of similarities in his far shorter career that suggest he could be the man to not only save them now but lead the Yorkshire outfit to success in the future.
Having taken over at his current club for the commencement of the 2021/22 season, he led them to third in the table before they too were beaten in a European final.
He has since returned with a vengeance for this year, as his outfit sit atop the table having lost once all season. They seem poised to topple sides with far greater budgets and standing in the game, and again have done so with a philosophy that has fans reeling.
Slot himself outlined how he wants his teams to play, as he spoke ahead of that Europa Conference League final where Jose Mourinho got the better of him.
“We are an attack-minded team that likes to have a lot of the ball, and we play with a lot of intensity. When we don’t have the ball, we want to win it back as quickly as possible by being aggressive and pressing to win back possession. I think we are a team that is difficult to beat.”
This style paired with the undeniable results make for an enthralling prospect for Andrea Radrizzani, as he ticks all the boxes to be the man for the present and the future.
The only issue might be prying him away from a title charge, but should they manage it Leeds could see a similar return to form as their Manchester rivals have done too.