Thomas Christiansen, a Danish-Spanish football manager, took the reins at Leeds United in the summer of 2017. Born in Denmark in 1973, Christiansen had previously played as a forward for several clubs, including Barcelona and Villarreal, before transitioning into a managerial career.
As the manager of Leeds United, Christiansen faced high expectations and aimed to guide the club to success in the EFL Championship (second tier of English football). During his tenure, he implemented a possession-based style of play and made several astute signings, including Samu Saiz and Pontus Jansson.
Under Christiansen’s leadership, Leeds United had a promising start to the 2017-2018 season, spending time at the top of the league table. However, the team’s form declined as the season progressed, and Christiansen was relieved of his managerial duties in February 2018.
While his time as Leeds United manager was relatively brief, Christiansen’s impact on the team’s playing style and recruitment strategy left a mark. His commitment to attractive and attacking football was appreciated by the fans, and his efforts to rejuvenate the squad were recognized.
After his stint at Leeds United, Christiansen continued his managerial career, working with clubs in Cyprus and Belgium, among others. His time at Leeds United may not have culminated in promotion to the Premier League, but he played a role in shaping the club’s approach to football during his tenure.
33 games, 45.45% win percentage