Leeds United are coming toward the tailend of what has been a fantastic season. There’s been much to celebrate for both the club and their fans.
The appointment of Marcelo Bielsa should rightly rank up there as the chief reason for celebrations. The lauded coach has revolutionised the Whites, turning a mediocre 13th placed side into promotion contenders.
Bielsa’s style of football has percolated down the age groups and firmly established an ethos of success at the club. As the football has sparkled, so has the hope that Leeds United fans feel. This season, they say, could be the one that sees the Whites return to the Premier League.
Behind all of this, mostly hidden from view, has been Andrea Radrizzani. The Italian media mogul took over full ownership of the West Yorkshire club from his countryman Massimo Cellino. In doing so, Radrizzani brought closure to a reign that was definitely madcap.
His first season was a learning curve, the player purchases and managerial appointments not really working out. Fan dissatisfaction grew, some questioning whether he was the right man for the job. Decision-making has improved, that questioning has been dampened down.
Radrizzani questioned – Radrizzani responds
Still, things do still need to be smoothed out/changed at the West Yorkshire club, and Radrizzani knows that. Here he responds to a question from a Leeds United fan disappointed at the cut-out in service of LUTV, the club’s in-house media department, as penalties started at the end of the Under-23s cup tie against Fulham.
We have a lot to improve at the club but it is a loss making biz and we are focus on the football as much as we can. We have a vision and a plan to make everything else better in the right time. #believe
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) March 15, 2019
It was a game that the young Whites went on to win, securing themselves a place in the next round. Yet, with the outage, fans were reliant on mobile phone footage and Periscope live streaming to see those successful penalties.
To his credit, Radrizzani took the time to reply to the fan’s question, and reply in an openly honest way. Here’s how some Whites fans have replied and responded to the Leeds United owner.
Leeds United owner replies to fan tweet – other fans’ responses
You’re doing a great job Andrea. Big game today cmon Leeds!!!! MOT!!!
— PJH LUFC (@pistol1603) March 16, 2019
TBF it’s free and it’s been good to watch u23s. A lot watch and standard is pretty good
Shame it crashed at vital point.— Dr.T (@DoctorT1992) March 15, 2019
I’ve been annoyed by LUTV as well, but in the bigger picture it’s just technical details, and in no way does it get in the way of what a fantastic season of football this is. Big thank you for Bielsa and all you do for our club!
— roaldv (@ArthurNuman1) March 15, 2019
There has been huge progress in just about every aspect of the club. To the extent that it is buzzin. Sure not everything perfect but Rome not built…….I am greatly enjoying under23 streams.Futures bright #mot
— Neil Quinn (@neilquinn50) March 15, 2019
Thank you for your dedication and commitment in getting this club back to where we’ve dreamed off. Good luck to you your management and players for the remainder of the season MOT ALAW.
— philip daniel (@philip111daniel) March 15, 2019
You have done more in the time you’ve been here than anyone else since our relegation from the premiership. Not only that, you have done it with grace and have shown you get what we, the supporters, and Leeds are all about.
Getting Bielsa was a master stroke. MOT.
Oh and WGUAFC— LUFC_Crusher💙💛 (@TonyLyons66) March 16, 2019
And the final word, and response, goes to this guy. It is a response that, more real than tongue-in-cheek, hits the nail squarely on the head.
Shows how far we have already come when we can moan about not being able to view u23 game. Didn’t even want to watch first term last year
— GeeeGeee (@geeegeee71) March 15, 2019