Darko Milanič: 32 days and no victories at Leeds United
Darko Milanič served as Leeds United head coach from 23 September to 25 October 2014. Despite an impressive record in Slovenian football, his appointment lasted only 32 days and six Championship matches, none of which Leeds won.
Success in Slovenia
Born in Izola in 1967, Milanič played internationally for Yugoslavia and Slovenia before establishing himself as a coach. He achieved significant domestic success with Maribor, winning multiple Slovenian league titles and cups, and had been working with Austrian side Sturm Graz before Leeds approached him.
Taking over after Redfearn
Milanič arrived during Massimo Cellino’s ownership, after Dave Hockaday had been dismissed and Neil Redfearn had steadied results as caretaker. The change was controversial because Leeds had improved under Redfearn, yet the club opted for another permanent appointment.
Six games without a win
Milanič’s Leeds side recorded three draws and three defeats in six Championship matches. The run ended with a 2–1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 25 October 2014, after which he was dismissed.
His tenure was too short to make a meaningful long-term assessment of his methods, but the results left Leeds struggling for momentum and added to an already unsettled season.
After his dismissal
Redfearn returned to lead the first team and was subsequently appointed permanent head coach in November 2014. Milanič later resumed a successful coaching career in Slovenia, demonstrating that his difficult spell at Elland Road did not define his broader managerial record.
Legacy
Milanič’s 32-day spell remains one of Leeds United’s shortest permanent managerial reigns. It is most often recalled as an example of the rapid changes in leadership during the 2014–15 season.