Leeds United chairman and owner Andrea Radrizzani insists the Whites must make necessary improvements over the second half of the Premier League season. The Whites are busy preparing for the return of the domestic competition with a clash against Manchester City on December 28 now on the immediate horizon.
Jesse Marsch’s side currently sit 15 th in the league ladder and just two points above the relegation zone after games, with notable wins over Chelsea and Liverpool bookending a disappointing run of eight games without a win. Radrizzani has a strong relationship with Marsch, revealing the pair contact with each other on a frequent basis, and he has faith in his squad’s ability to hit their target of a midtable finish this season.
However, he does acknowledge that progress must be made, particularly in front of goal, if they are to pick up the points their performances deserve.
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“I speak very regularly with the coach,” Radrizzani told The Sports Entrepreneurs Podcast last month. “We have played some good games where we didn’t get points and for sure there is something to improve.
“We need to score more goals, we need to produce more goals in the games we play, one example was in the first half at Crystal Palace, we played a very good game, we should have scored two or three but didn’t and in the end we lost 2-1. This is football, it is a young team, we’re the second youngest team in the league and for a lot of players in our line-up, it’s the first time playing Premier League.
“I’m sure they have a brilliant future but these ups and downs are calculated. We need to stay strong, create consistency and I’m sure this team over the year can become better and better. This year I target we can be midtable but we need to improve and get more points for the way we play football, which is quite good I believe.”
Radrizzani remains the majority shareholder at Elland Road, but before the World Cup break, reports emerged regarding a full takeover by 49ers Enterprises. The American consortium currently own 44 per cent of shares, with Radrizzani holding the other 56 per cent, but they do have the option to buy the Italian out in January 2024.
A report in The Times claimed 49ers Enterprises had secured the funds needed to complete a takeover and that a deal could be completed at the end of the current Premier League season. Radrizzani didn’t give too much away on the podcast but he did speak about his relationship with the 49ers, who first invested in Leeds back in 2018, and made reference to the understanding in place.
“At the moment we are 56 per cent for Aser and 44 per cent 49ers, but the 49ers have an option starting in January 2024 to become a majority shareholder,” he said.
He continued: “It makes me very proud and it gives the opportunity for a club like Leeds to be growing with the leadership of mine and over time more from the 49ers. We have a great relationship and we will continue to work together.”
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