Since yesterday evening it was the worst kept secret since Liberace’s homosexuality, Uwe Rosler, the ex-Wigan and ex-Brentford manager was to become Leeds United’s fifth head coach in the space of less than a year. The press conference to announce his arrival was originally scheduled for 3pm this afternoon, but the announcement was brought forward and Rosler was announced as the new head coach of Leeds United, leaving the ‘Neil Redfearn situation’ in a peculiar place.
“I see something in the group of players what I can work with.”
This excerpt at least proves that he is up-to-speed on the players and that he has some understanding of what is needed from them. It will be interesting to see what Rosler and his wing-man Gunnar Halle can get out of the current squad with hopefully some choice additions in areas where the team could do with strengthening.
“I think they stabilised themselves throughout the season and I think it is a great club for them to move on.”
With this comment, it is almost like a tipped hat to his still-employed predecessor Neil Redfearn for it was he, under pretty trying circumstances, that brought the Leeds United team together and led them on a streak of good results that saw them as one of the Championship’s form teams.
Rosler then went on to talk about the effect that he when he signed on at Wigan, taking a team that was 15th in the league and getting them to the semi-final of the FA Cup and into the promotion playoffs. This is something that Leeds fans will be looking for, an ambition to improve from what was, at times, a tepid and mediocre season last time out.
“I also learned and experienced the dark side erm er the rebuilding process in Wigan erm problems on the road. What I expected but I also expected to get a little bit more time to sort them out particularly after my track record to bring teams into the playoffs.”
Learned and experienced the ‘dark side’ at Wigan? Wait until Darth Cellino fires up the afterburners and goes all Wookie after a couple of dodgy performances; the ‘dark side’ at Elland Road has a new meaning altogether. When Cellino goes all Wookie, it could get messy if Rossler is as timid as an Ewok, so he will need to show a high level of resistance to what are likely to be barbed attacks. Also, I have a feeling that Uwe had better hit the ground running because, with fours head coaches/managers gone before him in less than a year, time is a precious commodity up Elland Road way.
However, welcome to Leeds United and remember your tin hat Uwe…you’re likely to need it a few times this season.