Rodgers emerges as Leeds manager target as Whites move on from Allardyce

02 June 2023 , 08:27

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Brendan Rodgers is on Leeds' shortlist for their next manager (Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers has emerges as a surprise contender for the vacant manager's job at relegated Leeds.

The Whites are preparing for their first season back in the Championship after three years as a Premier League club. A dreadful campaign saw Leeds finish second bottom of the top-flight, having gone through three managers over the course of the year.

Jesse Marsch was sacked in February, with former Watford boss Javi Gracia named as his successor. But Gracia was fired himself after just 12 games in charge, with Sam Allardyce brought in to lead the team for the final four matches of the season.

But the Englishman was unable to save the Whites from their fate, failing to win any of his games in charge as his side were relegated. Allardyce will leave Elland Road after holding talks with Leeds bosses regarding his future.

It appears though that club chiefs are already preparing to move in a new direction after relegation. According to the Daily Star, former Leicester boss Rodgers is on the shortlist drawn up by Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani.

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The Italian is said to be a 'huge admirer' of Rodgers, who has been out of work since being sacked by the Foxes in April. Leicester also went down, with Rodgers' replacement Dean Smith unable to save the Midlands side.

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Rodgers is highly thought of by Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani

Rodgers may take some convincing to take a step down to take charge of a Championship side though. The Northern Irishman had impressed with Leicester before his final season, leading them to the FA Cup in 2021.

A host of star names are also expected to depart Elland Road, with Radrizzani's position as owner uncertain, with the Italian keen to sell to minority shareholders San Francisco 49ers Enterprises.

Club chiefs are said to be keen to appoint a manager capable of securing an immediate return to the Premier League. Allardyce had been keen to stay, though Leeds are ready to move on from him after the Englishman made the size of the task ahead clear.

“There is a lot of work to be done here next season, even in the Championship. Goals need to be scored and you need goalscorers to score them. The squad is a little on the young side and lacks experience. As a squad they haven’t been good enough," he said following relegation.

"You can’t keep making unforced errors. We gifted Tottenham three goals today. Which way does the club want to go? You can’t keep making these errors at this level. I’m disappointed for the fans. They’re very entitled to show their disapproval.

“We need to sit down and discuss the whole infrastructure of the club. Recruitment is the number one factor for any manager. You can’t improve a player by 10 per cent; it’s going to be two to three per cent."

Jacob Leeks