Leeds United’s pursuit of a manager could be coming to an end, with the list of candidates shrinking with each passing day…
Has Postecoglou been linked with Leeds?
One of the names that persist however is Ange Postecoglou, who has earned adulation for his work reviving Celtic.
Having been linked earlier this week, the Australian would represent a fine option to not only rescue them from relegation but to take them boldly into the future.
With Carlos Corberan and Andoni Iraola both having snubbed Andrea Radrizzani’s advances, the 57-year-old has emerged as one of a few yet to comment on the rumours, thus leaving the door ajar.
What has Postecoglou achieved at Celtic?
What makes Postecoglou such an enticing proposition is his work wrangling back the Scottish Premiership title from Rangers in his first season in Glasgow.
Having enjoyed a period of unparalleled dominance over the league, Steven Gerrard masterminded the blip in their record before leaving for Aston Villa. However, had he stayed, it is unlikely even he could have competed with the brilliance of the Aussie’s first season.
Finishing on 93 points, they scored 92 times and conceded just 22, both the most scored and least conceded.
His current season has them nine points clear and on track for yet another title.
During his ongoing 2.28 points per match but does so with a play style that would likely give the fans at Elland Road one hell of a journey.
He plays by the mantra of “the greater the risk, the greater the opportunity”, and it shows in his free-flowing and high-pressing football. It wins games and fills stadiums, as people clamber to witness football played at such breakneck speed.
In the wake of Celtic’s Champions League campaign, he also came out with another claim that could well apply to Leeds’ current situation. He noted:
“If we’re not successful, fair enough. But let’s go down swinging”.
Whilst this might not be reassuring, as that is likely what Marcelo Bielsa could have done, Postecoglou has the pedigree and remarkable record to allow them to cruise back up.
But that would not be his aim. Should he join he would have full faith in his methods being able to save them from the drop, and given the two managers before him the squad will be in shape for his philosophy.
His football is enthralling and effective, plus his transfer policy has seen the likes of Joe Hart, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and more all come and offer instant impact for a cut-price.
There are little downsides to appointing a man who would bring the feel-good factor back to Elland Road. It just might be a struggle to pry him from Celtic Park, but should Radrizzani manage it, it could be his best move yet.