Amidst a swathe of sub-standard imports that came to typify the shepherding in of the Cellino era at Leeds United, one player rose above the rest and proved to be a success.
When Leeds United came to be seen as synonymous with the likes of players such as Edgar Cani, Zan Benedicic and Dario Del Fabro, it was one-time Switzerland international Gaetano Berardi who rose above the dross and firmly established himself at Elland Road.
His combative defending, part-and-parcel of the player that he is, saw him sent off of his début against Accrington Stanley for a tackle that was more WWE than it was Carling Cup. He’s been sent off a number of times since and has also scored his début goal for the club in the FA Cup loss to Newport County where, thankfully, the fans stayed in the stands.
Not only are Leeds United fans glad of his combative nature and linked defensive consistency, they are also thankful of his versatility at the back. A right-back by nature, the former Sampdoria defender has also proven that he is more than a makeshift player when shuffled across the back line over to left-back.
He is a player who on more than one occasion has literally spilled blood for the Leeds United cause, this further garnering him as ‘Leeds’. It is an uncompromising nature that has gone down well with United fans, and it is something that was also shown today in the pre-Sheffield Wednesday presser.
When questioned about criticism the Leeds United players had faced from owner Andrea Radrizzani, it was Berardi’s curt response that caught the ear of those reporter’s present – including the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay (tweets – below).
Berardi on Radrizzani comments: "I didn't read what he said. Speaking with my team-mates, no-one said anything about it. We don't care about what he says. If I have to say something to him, I speak with him, not here." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) March 15, 2018
Berardi on Radrizzani comments: "I came here on Monday for training, food, training some more. I will speak to him for sure but if I have something to say to him, I will speak face to face, not here. He is a good man."
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) March 15, 2018
In the face of owner criticism of player heart and attitude at Elland Road, possibly the least apt player to wheel out at the next presser would be Gaetano Berardi. That was proven earlier today with Berardi’s somewhat chilling response.
Berardi on Radrizzani pic.twitter.com/8Sg2spagjw
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) March 15, 2018