Leeds United interviews could ‘bleed’ into Friday as Elland Road decision time looms
The Leeds United board may be forced to hold further interviews on Friday as they look to wrap up their search for a new head coach, according to Graham Smyth.
The Guardian reported on Thursday 22 June that Patrick Vieira has emerged as a strong candidate and that an announcement could be made on Friday.
However, according to Smyth, further interviews could well be set to take place beforehand.
“There were some yesterday that the hierarchy were pleased/impressed with, there was to be one today and interviews may bleed into tomorrow but that’ll be that. Then it’s decision time,” wrote the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist (via Twitter, 22 June).
By the weekend
A decision needs to be made by the weekend at the very latest.
The fixtures have been announced and whoever is given the job will need time to adequately mould this squad into one that is capable of winning promotion.
Vieira would be an interesting choice. He was highly regarded at one point during his Crystal Palace tenure, but due to the hotly contested relegation battle last season, the Selhurst Park board couldn’t take any risks.
There’s no doubt that he will go on to be a successful manager.
Daniel Farke has also been mentioned and the German would be a safer pair of hands. He knows what is needed to escape the second tier having done it twice before with Norwich City. But, if Leeds did get promoted, there’s a chance they would need to evaluate their managerial situation again next summer.
With Vieira, a long-term vision would be implemented at Elland Road – and that’s what every football club strives for.
The sooner the better for the board – every day that passes is going to hinder Leeds heading into what promises to be an extremely tough Championship campaign.
In other Leeds United news, one big-name manager is now in pole position to fill the vacant dugout at Elland Road.