Leeds United owner and chairman Massimo Cellino has launched an astonishing attack on the club's head coach Neil Redfearn, in a further indication that the former midfielder's time in the dugout is coming to an end.
Cellino has consistently refused to shed light on whether he intends to offer Redfearn a new contract as head coach, with the 49-year-old's current deal expiring this summer.
The Italian businessman has complained of pressure from Leeds' fans, who are keen for Redfearn to remain in charge. And now he has attacked Redfearn directly, accusing the boss of using the club's fans against him.
Cellino told the Sunday Mirror: "He thinks he’s so strong that he can put me in the s**t because I’m worrying about the fans. F*** me, what kind of chairman have you got?
"He tried to play the fans against me to keep his place. Do you think that Neil Redfearn loves Leeds more than me?" the Italian supremo continued.
relatedNewsStory
"Tell me why I am in Leeds, why am I so involved with the club? Why am I putting in a lot of money, killing myself? Because I fell in love with this club. But to love this club is to do something for this club.
"Neil Redfearn does the [Leeds United fans’] salute. He challenged me. If you are good I can accept the challenge. But not if you are a bad coach.
"He wins two games and he disappears. He loses five games and he comes to me to ask my advice. Then he wins and disappears again.
"He has to respect the chairman. He has to respect the club. He’s like a baby. He’s been badly advised and used by someone. He is not a bad person but he has a weak personality."
Cellino also cast doubt on whether Redfearn will return to head up the club's academy if he is not kept on as head coach. When negotiating his deal to become head coach, Redfearn insisted upon the option to return to his old job if removed as head coach.
"We already have two coaches for the young players", the former Cagliari owner said.
Leeds finished 15th in the Championship this season after flirting with relegation during the first half of the campaign.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
