The new Leeds United head coach, Steve Evans, has admitted he may never tame Massimo Cellino but said the Italian’s Football League disqualification would not disrupt his time in charge, urging supporters to give him a chance at the club.
Evans, the former Rotherham manager, was on Monday named as Cellino’s sixth appointment since the controversial owner bought a controlling stake in the club last year.
Hours after the announcement that Evans would replace Uwe Rösler, the league banned Cellino until the end of the season following a conviction for tax evasion in Sardinia.
Cellino had 36 head coaches in 22 years when president of Cagliari and at Leeds he has already worked with Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday, Darko Milanic, Neil Redfearn and Rösler. However, Evans said the opportunity was simply too good to turn down.
“Am I cautious, am I nervous, am I excited – everything,” he said. “It’s wedding days, it’s babies being born, it’s your first date all rolled into one. It’s overwhelming. You realise the size of the opportunity you’ve been given and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.
“When Leeds United ring you up, how can you say no? I had a wonderful exchange of messages with Brian McDermott yesterday, a good football man. How can you say no when Leeds United ring you? I walked through the city last night and had Leeds United supporters shouting my name and shaking my hand. Wow.
“The former Scotland manager who is a close friend of mine, Craig Brown, said: ‘Enjoy every minute of it.’ If you’re manager of Leeds United for a day, think of the Lorimers, the Grays, the Billy Bremners.”
Evans’s first match in charge will be at Fulham in the Championship on Wednesday evening, with Leeds having won only twice so far this season and currently sitting 18th in the table.
Cellino was not present at Tuesday’s press conference to unveil the new coach but Evans insisted the Leeds owner remains passionate about the club despite his league suspension.
“I don’t know the president enough to know that I can ever tame him,” said Evans. “He’s a very passionate man. Believe me, he wants to win football matches. The biggest question is do I get first and last say [on team selection]. The president was very clear that I get first and last say.
“I’ll give you a team that plays with passion and plays with pride. Steve Evans doesn’t lie in bed and dream. I’m a realist. Everyone’s aware of the head coaches that have been here and left. But I have to believe in myself. How can you fear being sacked at Leeds United?”
