CONTROVERSIAL Leeds owner Massimo Cellino admits he is a “trouble- maker” and “not a normal person”. The eccentric Italian is already on his third manager of the season. He sacked Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic after just six games each and has now placed Neil Redfearn in the hot seat. And the 58-year-old told SunSport: “I cannot present myself like a quiet boy. “It’s true, I am not a normal person. I’m a trouble- maker, I admit that. “It’s just the way I am and it’s the way I have been ever since I was a boy.” Cellino was nicknamed the ‘manager eater’ after getting through 36 bosses in 23 years as owner of Italian outfit Cagliari. Astonishingly, he insists he does not like sacking bosses. He added: “I hate doing it — it costs me a lot of money for a start. “But Milanic was a mistake. I could see that he was not taking the team in the right direction. So I did what I had to do. “I set myself up for everyone to call me a d***head, which is what they have done all week. “These people don’t know me though. “I would love them to come and have a scotch with me and find out about the real Massimo Cellino. “For example when I was at Cagliari, I gave a young coach called Massimo Allegri a big chance. “He lost his first five league games in charge. Five games! And after seven games he had just one point. “I didn’t fire him though and slowly he turned things around and was a success. “Now he is the manager of Juventus. “I am rushing at Leeds because I am getting old and can’t wait to see this club where it should be.” And Cellino insists former academy boss Redfearn, who takes Leeds to Cardiff today has been appointed for the long haul though. He said: “It is my dream for Neil to be in charge for a long, long time. “He reminds me of my very first coach at Cagliari — Carlo Mazzone. Carlo was a great coach and taught me a lot of things. “And it’s incredible, Neil could be his twin – they even look the same. “Neil is a pure coach with big balls. I have told him he is not under pressure. If the worst comes to the worst, then the academy is there waiting for him. “His job is to get this team ready for next year. “Because that’s when these young players will really be ready to win promotion.” Redfearn has already had a spell as caretaker boss this season back in August after Hockaday left, winning three and drawing one of his four games in charge. Many expected the 49-year-old to get the job, only for Milanic to be appointed. Cellino revealed: “Redfearn did not feel he was ready at that point. “Then after I appointed Milanic, he came to me and said he was ready! I said ‘Neil, why couldn’t you have told me this earlier!’” And Cellino insists he will turn around the perceptions people have of him. He also revealed he is still negotiating to buy back Elland Road, having promised to purchase the stadium by November. He said: “I’ve made mistakes — I admit that, but we are going in the right direction. “And I pay for my mistakes with my own money, unlike some of the previous owners of this club. “We have a lot of good young players in the team and they will only get better. “We also have good players in the academy. Now we have a good coach as well. “Leeds is a very big club. We have incredible, crazy fans. I feel the football business in England is afraid of Leeds and I quite like that.” One man who is not afraid is Redfearn who insists: This job doesn’t scare me. The Dewsbury-born lifelong Whites fan said: “I’ve supported Leeds since a kid, I’ve worked for them for six years and I know this club like the back of my hand. “It’s certainly not a case of being frightened of it. As far as I am concerned, it’s the right time for me and the right time for the club.” “You have just got to be brave enough to go and do it and never fear a challenge. This is a challenge. “I have always had a level head and I’m realistic enough to know that things happen in football - good and bad. “But I want to make a real fist of this.”
Good luck to Cellino I say. Law of averages says he'll get it right eventually. 3rd time lucky? Remember, old red nose from over the hill had a bad start, and look what he achieved. Let's hope Redders begins his 2nd spell with a win
I, for one, would love to sit down and enjoy a nice single malt with Massimo. I think that'd be a fascinating conversation! Not sure I would come away from it understanding any more about him though
A few decent quotes that some of us were aware of already: I make some mistakes but I use my money to correct them, unlike some previous owners of this club. Correct. I love football, Correct. I would love Redfearn to succeed Correct. Looking for promotion next season when the kids come good, correct. Negotiating to buy back ER correct. This guy is a diamond, yes a flawed character but true to his word and will be the best owner we ever had. Yes ever because Cousins, Fotherby etc didn't spend big cash because they had a good manager in Revie, and they took cash out as profit for themselves. Cellino has spent more money on this club than any of us will ever see even if we win Euromillions. So I appreciate that some on here may be scepticle, and some downright detest him, but whatever your view you cannot deny his commitment.
The guys a winner,and I have no doubts he will take us to the top again and it won't be boring that's for sure.
Agree ... just like to see stability now, that is the key for us ... not sure about Redders saying he's finally ready AFTER Milanic was appointed, sounds a bit off really, almost a Brutus moment Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Difference with Cellino, everything he's done has been with the intention of bettering the club and team. Not everything has worked out yet but he's human and like all of us, makes mistakes. However, he's willing to dip into his pocket to fix them. Compare that to what we've had to suffer for a decade
He's right though, he isn't normal - and if he thinks your squad is going to improve enough to get promotion next season, then he must think you are going down this season
Have you considered he might add to the squad considering we have a half dozen out of contract in June. Then squad will be plenty ready for the pl
How many of your players do you think are good enough for the PL? Only a couple are good enough for this division
you really are a deluded one TC,about half could play in the prem and 2 or 3 for a top half team.Ask yourself the same question,your team work hard but don't have 1 player with any money value and doubt any could play for another championship team.your over performing but still look relagation certs.Not going Watford TC ? when you can't be bothered to go 5 mins down the road you must know your crap.
Daughters birthday - promised the Mrs I would keep this weekend free. They've ****ed off to the shops for the last 2 hours so I could have gone At least we are winning!!
and Chesh - "half your team can play in the Prem" and you call me the deluded one and isn't Cardiff near Cheshire
Is it fook near Cardiff just about 130 miles away Looks like your best at home though looking at the scores.
