Speaking to Wales Online, Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has been given his views on current Leeds head coach Garry Monk and co-owner Massimo Cellino ahead of the clubs meeting this weekend. Warnock managed the Elland Road club between February 2012 and April 2013.
It is three defeats in four matches for the Bluebirds, although the veteran manager has successfully guided the club away from relegation trouble, sitting eight points above the drop zone. Warnock was also very complimentary on the Leeds United supporters, stating the club is ‘the biggest club outside the Premier League’.
Leeds are obviously managed by Monk, a former Swansea City player and manager. The journalists in the Cardiff wanted put the question to Warnock if he should’ve been given more time in charge at the Liberty Stadium,
I don’t think chairmen have regrets. Football moves on quickly. You know you’re going to get the sack, you just try not to. My missus asked me why I don’t get the sack often. It’s one of the hazards of being a football manager.”
Warnock, who will turn 69 towards the end of the year, says he ‘likes’ Massimo Cellino and praised the role Monk has played in ‘calming down’ the often outspoken Italian,
I like him. I met him a few times, I had a great relationship with Gianni Paladini at QPR. they’re passionate Italians, he understands how much the club means to them now, I’ve seen a change over the last few months and I think Garry has calmed it down a bit.”
Finally, Warnock wanted to pay tribute to the Leeds crowd and also revealed that he tried to get someone to take over the club during his time in charge, only for nothing to materialise,
“They’re an unbelievable crowd. We had a decent cup run when I was there. We beat Spurs, Everton and then played Chelsea. The first half reminded what it must’ve been like in the Champions League. It’s a great atmosphere, it’s a bit like Cardiff. They’re all in one town. People want to talk about their own club and they’re a massive club.
I tried to get someone to buy Ken Bates out, It took me six months and it turned out they didn’t have a penny.
They’re the biggest club outside the Premier League fans wise and in terms of facilities.
Monk’s done a great job. Probably my manager of the season so far.”
