Martin Keown has told TalkSPORT (05/06, 12PM) that Leeds United should hire Steven Gerrard as the club’s next manager this summer – because his “high energy” style of football would resonate with the Elland Road fanbase.
Gerrard, 43, remains without a club since his sacking from Aston Villa in the first half of last season. He has been linked with a number of other jobs – and has interest from both Leeds and Leicester after both suffered relegation.
A report from Football Transfers claims that Gerrard is now in talks with the board at Leeds, as Angus Kinnear looks to bring a sense of calm and productivity to Leeds – amid a mess left by Andrea Radrizzani and a possible takeover.
The Mail reported on Monday evening that Leeds are close to completing a takeover with the 49ers and a deal may be done this week, after talks on Monday were successful. That will be the first, and biggest block in place.
Next on the list will be a manager and a sporting director, and from then on in, Leeds can start to mould the squad in the way they see fit – ahead of a promotion push at the first attempt. Keown says Gerrard is the right fit for Leeds.
“It is a very good fit for the fans, for the high-energy football he wants to play,” Keown told TalkSPORT on Monday, amid reports Gerrard is a target for Leeds. “There are a lot of players in that team who want to press high.”
Keown says Leeds should hire Gerrard as style resonates with fanbase
Gerrard did struggle at Aston Villa. But he impressed to begin with and while the argument will be that it was due to having Michael Beale – now Rangers manager – on his staff, it is still Gerrard that calls the shots. He is a big figure.
Burnley last summer chose to bring in Vincent Kompany, after an indifferent spell at Anderlecht. A commanding, iconic Premier League legend, that instantly drew respect from the players. Gerrard is that. He commands respect.
The players will buy into his thoughts and system – and of course, his appointment would see Leeds bring in Gary McAllister as his assistant, an Elland Road legend. It makes sense – but there are some fans that would rather not.
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