Speaking to the Teesside Gazette, Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk hinted that the change in ownership was a big reason for him deciding to leave Leeds United. He surprised many by deciding to resign from his role at Elland Road, but he was today unveiled as Middlesbrough boss for the first time.
Monk eluded to the fact that Massimo Cellino hired him in the first place, but he has since sold out his share in the club to Andrea Radrizzani. There was a new behind the scenes restructuring of the club this summer too, something which the former Swansea City player and manager clearly wasn’t too happy to be a part of.
A director of football has been hired at Leeds recently and this, along with Cellino’s departure meant that Monk felt it was the right time to move on,
“Obviously I went there and worked with Massimo (Cellino) originally but new people came in and there was a new structure. I talked to the new ownership about what the new process would be and I thought it would carry on but for whatever reason it didn’t work out. I don’t really want to go into the detail of that right now but it didn’t suit me and so I had to take a decision.”
Monk however says that he holds Leeds United in the highest regard and hopes that they do return to the Premier League one day,
“Leeds are a great club, I loved it. There are a lot of good people there and the fans are fantastic and I wish them all well, I hope they get into the Premier League – but that is behind me now. That’s football, things move on. I’m at Middlesbrough Football Club now and that is my only concern and focus.”
Middlesbrough obviously face off against Leeds United in the league in the upcoming season, but Monk isn’t worried about the reception he’ll get when he takes Boro to Elland Road,
“That doesn’t matter. People will have different opinions. My only focus is Middlesbrough Football Club and doing the best job I can.”
