European expert on Leeds style under Milanic, player reaction, young stars
Here is the City 26/9/14
Dan Coombs
What do Leeds fans need to know about their new boss ahead of the weekend?
It promises to be a fascinating weekend ahead at Leeds United as Darko Milanic coaches his first game in charge of the club against Brentford.
He continues the rebuilding process Neil Redfearn had managed so excellently, after a dismal beginning to the campaign under Dave Hockaday.
There remain many questions regarding the former Sturm Graz manager, who was a Slovenia captain in his playing days.
Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli is well connected with sporting director Nicola Salerno and the Leeds players signed from his country over the summer, has spoken personally to Milanic, and gave an interview to Radio Yorkshire on Thursday.
He discussed Milanic's potential style, and whether he would be selecting young players or not.
Giulianelli said: "The style of playing of Leeds could be a mix, between the classic English style, so an attacking style, lots of play on the wing, and the quality of players who can be a more Italian style with more attention to the defence.
"He told me that what most impresses him about English football is how a match is full of fight, how physical it can be, but only attacking is not so good if you want to be a very important team.
"Leeds fans told me he is worried he wont play Cook or young players. He told me that its not important young or experienced. What's important is the quality of the players. He's a very practical trainer."
He went onto add that Milanic was always among the first choices for the role, and that being able to speak fluent Italian will help him with several players at the club.
He went on to reveal he has spoken to some of the players, without detailing which, Giulianielli commented: "I spoke to them about the choice, they were very curious to know, to know him personally, to see his way of working.
"They are very enthusiastic, they want to spark something. The start of the season was not so easy but now they are going the right way winning matches. Players are happier and they know the better is yet to come."
Dan Coombs
What do Leeds fans need to know about their new boss ahead of the weekend?
It promises to be a fascinating weekend ahead at Leeds United as Darko Milanic coaches his first game in charge of the club against Brentford.
He continues the rebuilding process Neil Redfearn had managed so excellently, after a dismal beginning to the campaign under Dave Hockaday.
There remain many questions regarding the former Sturm Graz manager, who was a Slovenia captain in his playing days.
Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli is well connected with sporting director Nicola Salerno and the Leeds players signed from his country over the summer, has spoken personally to Milanic, and gave an interview to Radio Yorkshire on Thursday.
He discussed Milanic's potential style, and whether he would be selecting young players or not.
Giulianelli said: "The style of playing of Leeds could be a mix, between the classic English style, so an attacking style, lots of play on the wing, and the quality of players who can be a more Italian style with more attention to the defence.
"He told me that what most impresses him about English football is how a match is full of fight, how physical it can be, but only attacking is not so good if you want to be a very important team.
"Leeds fans told me he is worried he wont play Cook or young players. He told me that its not important young or experienced. What's important is the quality of the players. He's a very practical trainer."
He went onto add that Milanic was always among the first choices for the role, and that being able to speak fluent Italian will help him with several players at the club.
He went on to reveal he has spoken to some of the players, without detailing which, Giulianielli commented: "I spoke to them about the choice, they were very curious to know, to know him personally, to see his way of working.
"They are very enthusiastic, they want to spark something. The start of the season was not so easy but now they are going the right way winning matches. Players are happier and they know the better is yet to come."