Leeds United boss Andrea Radrizzani has launched a scathing attack on the club’s playing squad, and fans on Twitter have reacted with rage about the comments.
In an interview with TalkSport, Radrizzani questioned the commitment of the players at the club, and claimed that he does not want personnel at the club who are not dedicated to the cause.
As quoted by Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Phil Hay on his personal Twitter account, Radrizzani said: “As a club we support them with everything. We did everything they wanted but we didn’t get back the commitment, the passion and the spirit. I don’t want players in my team with this behaviour. I hope they can learn.”
Italian businessman Radrizzani initially purchased a 50% stake in the Whites in January 2017, becoming co-owner of the club with the controversial Massimo Cellino.
Then, five months later in May, the 44-year-old bought Cellino’s remaining 50% stake and become the sole owner of the Elland Road side.
Radrizzani’s early tenure as full owner was rocked by the resignation of Garry Monk, who was eventually replaced by APOEL manager Thomas Christiansen.
Christiansen’s early days as manager got off to a flyer as Leeds took an early lead at the top of the Championship, but the months since then went downhill and the Dane was eventually let go in February, to be replaced by Paul Heckingbottom.
The club’s form has shown little sign of improvement since then, with the Whites currently sitting in 13th in the table, now 11 points off the play-off places.
Fans have taken to Twitter to react to Radrizzani’s comments about his players, and many have begun to rage at the Italian for his leadership of the club.
This is Futbol have rounded up some of the best tweets:
He is such a prat man its not 'his' team
— Alex (@AlexHi1996) March 13, 2018
Blimey… that'll go down well in the dressing room! #lufc
— David Watkins (@DaveLUFCWatkins) March 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/bobbygamora/status/973505113858957312
Oh dear Radz has gone full Cellino
— Liam Rumsey (@LiamRumsey64) March 13, 2018
I had high hopes when @andrearadri took over but we have gone backwards this year. Although we blew it last season under @GarryMonk it felt like we were heading in the right direction and finished 7th. The buck stops with A.R and Victor Orta. They put the squad together.
— Crash Records (@Crash_Records) March 13, 2018
Wow #badgegate had really rattled him, if Cellino was mouthing off like this he’d be lynched…
— Jonathan Routledge (@jonnyroutledge5) March 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/liammkirby/status/973506177437925376
Another PR disaster for AR and his team!
— Talent Solution Group (TSG) (@TSG_UK) March 13, 2018