Leeds United have their eyes on Gary O’Neil as they consider a managerial change, while Brendan Rodgers keeps his options open.
Leeds United have not had the best of starts to the season. They find themselves in the relegation zone after matchday 13 upon their return to the top flight. Having lost each of their last four league outings, the pressure is slowly mounting on Daniel Farke, and Gary O’Neil has emerged as a target for them.
Gary O’Neil on Leeds United’s radar
The Yorkshire-based outfit are considering parting ways with Daniel Farke, and they have already started exploring potential alternatives. According to a report from Football Insider, the Whites are considering appointing Gary O’Neil as their next boss if they choose to sack Farke.
O’Neil has been without a job since parting ways with Wolves towards the end of 2024. Having managed Bournemouth and Wolves, he has enough experience managing in England. The fact that the 42-year-old has managed in the Premier League and has done a decent job is one of the major reasons why Leeds have him quite high on their wishlist.
Apart from Gary O’Neil, Leeds United even have their eyes on Brendan Rodgers, who has been without a job since resigning from Celtic towards the end of October. The Yorkshire-based outfit have been keeping tabs on him for some time, and they would love to have him on their bench.
Rodgers unlikely to accept Leeds job
However, as per Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Rodgers is in no rush to accept the Leeds job. He is not certain about his next destination, and wants to keep his options open going forward.
While speaking about Leeds’ interest in Rodgers, O’Rourke said, “Right now, having left Celtic, he will be linked with so many jobs here and there when they do come. I’m sure Leeds will have him on their list, but whether they’ll be able to get Brendan Rodgers will be another question altogether.
“I’m sure he might not be that interested in joining the club midway through the season and joining the relegation battle because I’m sure Brendan Rodgers will be keeping his options open and seeing what’s not just available in England, but maybe abroad as well.”
Rodgers has a proven track record in the Premier League from his time at Liverpool and Leicester City. While he would be a great option for Leeds United, the 52-year-old will most likely wait for a bigger role elsewhere.
While Leeds United are on the lookout for a new boss, Farke still has time to turn things around following his team’s spirited performance against Manchester City in the second half of their last outing.
He is expected to be in charge of their clash against Chelsea on Wednesday night. If they manage to get the desired result, it could give Farke a new lifeline. However, if things don’t work out, Leeds could end up showing him the door, with Gary O’Neil and Brendan Rodgers on their radar.