Noel Whelan has admitted he is not surprised by Paul Heckingbottom’s departure at Leeds United and has named either Marcelo Bielsa or Claudio Ranieri as credible candidates to replace him.
The Yorkshire giants announced that Heckingbottom has been sacked at Elland Road after just four months in the managerial position.
They are now in the hunt for a new boss and Football Insider reports that the Whites have already held talks with Bielsa.
Whelan feels that Heckingbottom was unable to hit the required standards at Leeds, but has put forward two high-profile names that would fit the bill.
“Not really surprised. I think when he came into Leeds United he didn’t have the desired effect,” Whelan told TV programme Sky Sports News (1:05pm, 1 June).
“It is not good enough, when you come in your expected to hit the ground running.
“I think we need some kind of stability, whoever comes in is the 10th manager since 2014. I think Leeds fans will want someone with a bit of a name and a bit of pedigree.
“Ranieri and Bielsa. That would be a fantastic appointment.”
OPINION
Leeds have taken the decision to boot Heckingbottom out of the club and they have given themselves enough time to bring in a new manager, who can oversee an overhaul in the summer transfer window. The 40-year-old never really get a fair chance to stamp his authority on the team and it’s difficult to change too much without a transfer window. However, owner Andrea Radrizzani clearly feels he is not the right man for the job and feels a new man can take them into the Premier League. Bielsa is a highly experienced manager with an impressive CV, who is renowned for playing an attacking style. Meanwhile, Ranieri’s career is well documented and his last spell in England saw him guide Leicester City to a sensational Premier League title. It may be time for Leeds to take a different approach in their appointments and a marquee name could be a strong tactic to help lift the club.