Andrea Radrizzani broke his silence on Leeds United’s Premier League relegation on Wednesday night with an apologetic statement posted on social media. In it, the Italian, who completed the purchase of Serie A club Sampdoria earlier this week, addressed the fans and spoke of his commitment to help the club bounce back next season in the Championship.
The chairman and majority shareholder hasn’t been seen at Elland Road since the club’s draw with Newcastle United last month and relegation has now thrown the possibility of a summer takeover into question. Here’s a look at a few of the takeaways to be had from Radrizzani’s statement.
Not a goodbye
The first thing to say is that Radrizzani makes absolutely no reference to a 49ers Enterprises takeover that has been widely touted for some time. In fact, it reads as though he is planning to stick around at Elland Road to try and help Leeds out of the second tier and back to the Premier League.
Read more: Leeds United's first summer domino has fallen as Andrea Radrizzani decision to provide answers
The chairman says he is ‘committed and determined to continue on this journey’, without being able to provide any real clarity on what the immediate future might look like at Leeds. For many, his purchase of Sampdoria this week appeared as though the Italian was preparing for life after the sale of Leeds.
His takeover at the Genoa-based outfit, while United were losing their top flight status, didn’t go down particularly well with the fanbase in West Yorkshire and many thought this summer might be the best time for him to part ways with Leeds after six seasons at the helm. The language used certainly suggests Radrizzani is not planning an exit, but if he is to stick around, what guise will it be in?
Wheels in motion
There’s plenty to do this summer at Elland Road. While the ownership picture still requires some clarification, the club are in need of a new head coach, a director of football and changes on the field as they prepare for life in the second tier. Leeds went through three head coaches this season and if they are to be successful in the Championship they need to find someone who can offer stability in that role.
After the dismissal of Victor Orta, they also need to find someone who can provide direction from upstairs, with recruitment falling under their remit. ‘We need a clear strategy to continue our vision for the club and work is underway to produce this which we hope will be reflected in some key appointments in different areas’, says Radrizzani.
The recovery process has started then, it seems, but time is of the essence this summer. With the Championship season starting on the weekend of August, there can be no room for dilly-dallying and complacency. Pre-season will be getting underway in just a few weeks and Leeds have plenty of work to do to make sure they are ready for that point.
Responsibility taken
Radrizzani has already taken some responsibility for the mess Leeds found themselves in this season. Replying to a fan on social media during the Whites’ heavy loss to Bournemouth in April, the chairman appeared to take the blame, while calling the situation ‘unacceptable’ and ‘ridiculous’.
He has now echoed that sentiment in an official format now, pointing to mistakes made as a collective. ‘I am sorry for how this season has unfolded’, he says in the first paragraph, before adding: ‘In working hard to improve the club, we have also obviously made some mistakes’.
If he is to stay at Elland Road, then, he has to act to prevent the same errors from occurring once more next time around.
More questions than answers
This statement is a start but in terms of clarity it offers very little. Regular communication is needed from both the club and Radrizzani over the next few weeks and months as the club takes stock on a difficult season and ramps up its preparation for the next, with key issues still to be addressed.
Who will be the majority shareholder come the start of the season? What of the power struggle at boardroom level? Who will finance a regeneration of the squad? What model of directorship will Leeds look to follow? How might Radrizzani’s purchase of Sampdoria affect his ownership of Leeds? Would it even be possible for him to divide his energy between the clubs? Will Leeds be willing sellers of their most valuable assets this summer? How does relegation impact plans to improve the stadium or even the training ground? Most importantly, though, how will Leeds put themselves in the best possible position to win promotion back to the Premier League?
The supporters at Elland Road need transparency now more than ever.
READ NEXT
Rayo Vallecano's Andoni Iraola makes shock decision on his future after Leeds United interest
'From today we move on' - Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani's statement after Sampdoria purchase
Ex-Leeds United man calls time on playing days with emotional message
Leeds United facing contract calls that could save them millions in Championship rebuild
Andrea Radrizzani told of £300m Leeds United takeover blow after relegation
