New Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen has revealed that legendary Barcelona manager Johan Cruyff is his coaching inspiration, but he is prepared to adapt and be flexible according to the needs of his squad.
The former Barcelona man’s appointment at Leeds was confirmed last week and he was presented as the new boss at Elland Road on Monday.
Christiansen has outlined his vision to take Leeds forward and is keen to help the Whites to reach the promised land of Premier League football as soon as possible.
A former Barcelona player, the Spaniard admits that his manager at the Nou Camp, Cruyff, will always remain a huge influence on his coaching style but admits that flexibility is also important.
He is prepared to adapt his style of football to suit the kind of players at his disposal but admits that the basic tenets of his coaching philosophy will always remain consistent.
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Asked if Cruyff had the biggest influence on his coaching career, Christiansen told LUTV: “Yes.
“I try to bring as much as I can but nowadays not all the teams are Barcelona so we have to be flexible with the players you have because it’s them who make the system.
“You can play 4-3-3, but if you don’t have the profile of players you have to change, you have to adapt and you have to be flexible.
“But still having your philosophy, the way to work, your ideas and this is what I will bring to the players here at Leeds.”
Christiansen’s first Championship game in charge of Leeds will be against Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium on the opening day of the season.
