Simon Jordan cannot believe latest Leeds United manager news live on talkSPORT
Simon Jordan has claimed Leeds United would be “stupid” to appoint former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder as Jesse Marsch’s replacement.
The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the former Ajax boss after he was spotted, as per Phil Hay at Elland Road during the side’s clash with Man United on Sunday (12 February).
Speaking on TalkSPORT on Monday (13 February), Jordan said, “They can’t be this stupid to look at someone who’s completely wrong for an elite side in the Dutch league and suggest he is going to be capable of managing in the Premier League if he is indeed incapable.
“That would be a version of hanging themselves, metaphorically. There is so much pressure on this decision.”
Schreuder was sacked by Ajax on 26 January after just 26 games in charge and his potential appointment has been met with some criticism from Leeds United fans on social media.
The 50-year-old could be in charge for this weekend’s game against Everton (18 February) if he is appointed quickly.
Valid criticism
You can understand where Jordan is coming from, even if he may have used extreme language to make his point.
Schreuder was sacked by Ajax less than a month ago after a run of form that saw him leave the club with a 46% win record.
Ajax won the league at a canter under Erik ten Hag last season. Yes, they lost Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Man United in the summer but the decline in Ajax’s form under Schreuder was alarming. So alarming that the club’s owners saw no option but to relieve him of his duties after just half a season at the helm.
Schreuder’s most successful spell came as Brugge boss, where he won 73% of his games. But he was only in charge for 21 matches.
This is a somewhat inexperienced manager, having only taken charge of 129 senior games. Though there is no guarantee of quality after managing more games than another manager, Jesse Marsch had managed 302 senior games before he rocked up at Elland Road.
The difference here is Marsch had actually succeeded in his other jobs.