The game of football can be really cruel at times and the anecdote of the 2016-17 campaign of Sky Bet Championship for Leeds United gives us a testament to the same. For a major chunk of the season, it was perceived that the Whites would earn at least a playoff spot under the tutelage of Garry Monk who excelled ever since venturing into the baptism of fire of managing a club infamous for sacking managers impatiently in recent times. But then, during the business end of the term, it was intriguing as well as shocking at the same time to witness the dramatic collapse which they couldn’t refrain from.
Leeds United finished 7th in the season which just concluded with 75 points, five points behind 6th placed Fulham and thus, have to endure yet another campaign in the English second division.
Monk signed a one-year contract and his exit implies that the West Yorkshire based club will have the huge task of replacing him with someone with proven pedigree and at the same time, they would have to ensure that they do not lose out on their key players like Chris Wood. Apparently, one of the managers they are keen to form a relationship with is Claudio Ranieri.
We have seen the galvanising impact which the well-furnished managers make, with Rafael Benitez (being the latest example) masterminding an immediate return for Newcastle United to the Premier League. Thus, the anticipated move for the Peacocks, as far as filling the void managerial post is concerned, makes perfect sense.
With Leicester City, Ranieri carved one of the finest fairytales in the game as the Foxes, despite being perennial underdogs, went on to clinch the 2015-16 Premier League title. His stocks haven’t diluted despite being sacked this year even as the King Power based club faltered terribly under his guardianship, midway into the season.
It would be a great statement of intent from Leeds United if they manage to lure the Italian to the Elland Road, for he is a big name in the football globe. The 65-year-old has truckloads of experience, having managed big clubs like Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Roma, Internazionale and Monaco to name a few. He is a renowned figure and his incoming would enable the Championship side in not only convincing their instrumental gladiators to stay but will also in attracting quality players who would want to work under him.
