The Englishman is thought to be in the race to succeed ‘Big Sam’…
The wait at Elland Road continues to see who will be announced as Leeds United’s next permanent manager, with the role presently empty following Sam Allardyce’s departure after a brief stay in command.
The veteran Englishman had been the Whites’ final manager during what had been a tumultuous season, with the Yorkshire team succumbing to relegation after having both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia removed from the dugout.
With the newly-relegated team preparing for life in the Championship next season, supporters will no doubt be hoping for a swift conclusion to the club’s hunt for a new head coach, as a lengthy search is likely to stymie any early transfer action.
According to Football Transfers, out-of-work manager Steven Gerrard is already in negotiations about the Leeds position, with the 43-year-old – who is also being pursued by Leicester City – having been out of work since being fired by Aston Villa in October.
While the Englishman’s brief tenure at Villa Park, in which he won just 13 of his 40 games in charge, may have tarnished his reputation, the Liverpool legend’s earlier success at Rangers should excite Leeds fans.
Should Gerrard be appointed by Leeds?
The former England international performed wonders during his first managerial role at Ibrox, leading the Old Firm giants to the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season after what pundit Alex McLeish described as a “incredible season” for the club.
That victorious season saw the Gers go unbeaten throughout the league season, eventually finishing 25 points clear of Celtic at the top to end their rivals’ aspirations of an unprecedented tenth consecutive league title.
Having taken on the post in the summer of 2018, it clearly took time for the up-and-coming coach to properly make his mark in Glasgow, with McLeish describing the steady build-up to success as “kind of similar to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.”
That resemblance to the German coach is highlighted by the fact that the ex-Borussia Dortmund manager likewise took his time leading the Anfield club to triumph, winning his first piece of silverware – the Champions League – in 2019, just under four years after taking over from Brendan Rodgers.
Since then, the 55-year-old has led the Merseysiders to a Premier League title and a slew of domestic trophies, establishing himself as “head and shoulders above everyone” – with Pep Guardiola – thanks to his coaching prowess, according to commentator Jamie Redknapp.
It’s worth noting that Gerrard, who, like Klopp, prefers a 4-3-3 formation, has been mentioned as a potential successor to Klopp in the future, with former teammate Djibril Cisse hailing him as a “great leader” and someone he’d “love to see” take charge of the Reds.
In terms of Leeds, the appointment of Gerrard may take time to yield rewards, as it did at Rangers, but the 113-cap ace may potentially imitate Klopp’s success in becoming a successful, long-term icon at Elland Road.
If Gerrard is chosen then every LEEDS UNITED supporter should back him all the way