FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg - Derby County v Leeds United - Pride Park, Derby, Britain - May 11, 2019 Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani looks on from the stands. Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
Simon Jordan reacts to the ‘remarkable’ plan which Andrea Radrizzani started at Leeds United
The end of Andrea Radrizzani’s reign at Leeds United tarnished what could’ve been a brilliant legacy.
Radrizzani was undoubtedly the best owner Leeds have had in 20 years. Being the man to guide Leeds back to the Premier League after so long should’ve meant he was forever remembered as a legend.
However, the last 18 months of his ownership were a farce. Replacing Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch, suggesting there was no chance Leeds would get relegated and appointing four managers in one season were all big mistakes.
Radrizzani’s attempt at using Elland Road as part of his bid to buy Sampdoria was then the last straw.
Even Angus Kinnear admitted he should’ve sold Leeds earlier. Of course, Radrizzani hit back at Kinnear‘s comments, but there was an element of truth.
Jordan suggests Radrizzani was ‘catalyst’ to Leeds plans
Earlier this week, Leeds announced their plans for the next steps in the redevelopment of Elland Road. They are looking to increase the capacity from 37,890 to 53,000.
Simon Jordan believes it could be the turning point for Leeds to get back to the top, with 49ers Enterprises finally doing what Radrizzani always claimed he wanted to.
Throughout Radrizzani’s tenure, there were constant rumours about an Elland Road expansion. Even with three years in the Premier League, it never happened.
Kinnear has suggested many times Radrizzani simply didn’t have the funds to take Leeds to the next level. It is clear the 49ers do, though.
Speaking on talkSPORT after hearing Leeds’ plans, Jordan actually praised Radrizzani for being the ‘catalyst’ to the Whites getting out of the ‘doldrums’, even though he wasn’t a fan of him personally.
Brenden Aaronson has started the last four matches there and done well. However, it is no secret that Daniel Farke was disappointed at Leeds’ failure to bring one in.
Farke actually compared Aaronson to Zinedine Zidane after his pass against Burnley, but it is hard to argue against Leeds lacking that man in midfield who can play the killer pass.
Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United was a top target, with Leeds seeing a £13 million bid rejected. Strangely, Derby County boss Paul Warne says he thought Hamer was going to join Leeds.
With four goals and one assist in his opening six matches, Hamer would’ve been the missing piece in this Leeds side.
Isaac Schmidt makes shock position admission after slow Leeds start
It will be interesting to see who Farke would opt for in that number 10 if Aaronson was ever out injured. Joel Piroe started there at West Brom, but was very ineffective. He’s better off the bench.
Wilfried Gnonto enjoys drifting inside and would be the most likely candidate. However, his experience centrally at club level is minimal.
Speaking to Leeds Live, new signing Isaac Schmidt has revealed himself as a shock option. Schmidt has played just a handful of minutes since joining, with fans keen to see him in action.
