OneFootball
Lewis Ambrose·28 March 2019
Andrea Radrizzani exclusive: 'I want to bring back the glorious times'
Andrea Radrizzani exclusive: 'I want to bring back the glorious times' | OneFootball
As the international break comes to an end and club football returns, Leeds United’s promotion chase continues.
The club hit a bump in the road two weeks ago, losing to Sheffield United at Elland Road, but remain right in the hunt for automatic promotion to the Premier League.
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Which is good news for Andrea Radrizzani, the club’s owner.
“The dream is to own a club in the Premier League,” Radrizzani tells Onefootball in an exclusive interview during the international break.
Speaking about the motivation behind purchasing Leeds in May 2017, it’s clear the club’s rich history appealed to the Italian.
“I love challenges and to bring Leeds United back to glorious times is something that was very fascinating to me.
To do something where I can build a legacy and bring the club back to glorious times was my first reason
Last season, Radrizzani’s first as the owner at Elland Road, started well. Leeds were unbeaten in their opening seven matches.
With 24 games played, they were just five points behind second. Then a nine-game winless run ended the club’s hopes of promotion.
Last year was the first year for me, the coaches we had were young, we had many new players. Too much was new, that can generate confusion
“That’s why I decided, before this season, we would only change the coach for someone who has a big personality and could become a catalyst for the players and the entire environment around club, the fans included. Luckily we found a good coach with these characteristics.”
Radrizzani is, of course, talking about Marcelo Bielsa.
The former Argentina, Chile, Athletic Club and Marseille boss is something of an eccentric character, with his personal journal full of stories of sudden resignations and an obsession with the game.
At Leeds, he fits like a glove.
“We went to visit him in Buenos Aires,” Radrizzani explained.
“Myself, [the sporting director] Victor Orta and Carlos Corberan, the coach of the U-23s. We had a very good and deep conversation with him for over 10 hours and in the end we were happy to get this marriage done.
“A lot of people doubted my decision but I never had any doubts. When I like someone and see them as an honest person with certain values, I decide based on that and I support my decision.”
Bielsa has taken to the Championship as well as the Elland Road faithful have taken to him.
The spygate accusations have not derailed the Yorkshire club’s promotion bid and Radrizzani is particular enamoured with the style Bielsa has his side playing.
“Personally, I love the football we play,” the Italian declares.
“I’m a person that is ambitious, so I always imagined having a football club that represents myself as well. A club that plays to win, not playing defensive [football]. I wouldn’t fit in a club that plays counterattack. This is what I like to watch.
We are amazing to watch, probably the best in the league, and I’m convinced this style of football can help us be successful in the Premier League, if we get there
As for the promised land that is English football’s top flight, Radrizzani already has a plan to make a success of it there, should Leeds win promotion.
“The model to follow is Wolves,” he says.
“They also play good football, with a good coach, good players. They are a solid team, they’re already showing that this year – they’re seventh in the league and still in the FA Cup.
“That’s the model I would like to follow.
“Of course, it would require some investment along the way but once we are in the Premier League the club can unlock possibilities because this is one of the biggest brands in the history of football.
There’s a big legacy, everyone around the world knows about Leeds so I think we have the chance to succeed as long as we make the right choices
Things in football are not always that simple, however.
If Leeds aren’t promoted this season, they’ll face another year of Championship football – the third under Radrizzani’s guidance – and that means another year of financial prosperity a distant dream.
“This league is not sustainable and I will not be able to play in this league too long,” Radrizzani admits, “but we are fighting hard to be in the Premier League soon.
“There is no income for the clubs, so everyone loses money. I don’t think anyone in the world wants to own a business that at the end of the year is making losses.
“Therefore, there is a timeline in my mind – three years, maximum five – to make it to the Premier League. If we’re there, everything changes.”
Therefore, there is a timeline in my mind – three years, maximum five – to make it to the Premier League. If we’re there, everything changes
Everything has already changed, thanks to Radrizzani and Bielsa.
Whether or not the club end a 16-year wait for Premier League football this season remains to be seen but, however you look at it, Leeds United are on the right path again.
