London (AFP) – Former Spanish international Thomas Christiansen is the new manager of fallen English football giants Leeds United, the second-tier club announced on Thursday.
The 44-year-old — born in Denmark but who qualified to play for Spain through his Spanish mother — replaces Garry Monk, who shocked the club by rejecting a new contract last month.
Christiansen, who played for Spanish side Villarreal and German outfit Hannover 96, impressed in his spell as manager of Cypriot team APOEL and guided them to the title last season as well as the last 16 of the Europa League.
However, he was released by APOEL last month and becomes Leeds’ eighth manager since May 2014.
“Thomas was someone who had been on our radar from the very early stages of the process and quickly established himself as the outstanding candidate,” said Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear.
“We wanted to appoint someone who can help us create a winning culture at the club and unite everyone connected with Leeds United, from the players to the supporters, ultimately taking the club back to where we all feel we belong.
“We are confident we have found a man who can work with us to take the club to the next level.”
The naming of Christiansen, who will be unveiled at a press conference on Monday, ends Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani’s three-week search for a new head coach.
Monk, who is now in charge of relegated Premier League side Middlesbrough, took Leeds to the verge of the play-offs last season but finished one place outside after a loss of form in the last few weeks.
Radrizzani was keen to get him committed to a new contract but Monk, who had forged a good relationship with the fans, stunned him and the club when he rejected their offer and announced his departure on May 25.
