Thomas Christiansen: a bright start that faded
Thomas Christiansen was Leeds United head coach from June 2017 to February 2018. The former Spain international arrived after successful coaching spells in Cyprus and briefly took Leeds to the top of the Championship before a prolonged slump ended his tenure.
Appointment in summer 2017
Christiansen was born in Copenhagen in 1973 and played as a striker, including spells with Barcelona’s reserve side, Villarreal and Hannover 96. He later won the Cypriot league as manager of APOEL. Leeds appointed him in June 2017 to succeed Garry Monk.
His squad included new attacking midfielder Samu Sáiz and defender Pontus Jansson. Jansson had initially joined Leeds on loan under Monk in 2016 and subsequently signed permanently; it would be incorrect to credit Christiansen with first bringing him to the club.
Strong start to 2017–18
Leeds began the Championship campaign impressively, playing attractive attacking football and reaching first place in September 2017. Sáiz emerged as an important creative player, while the team initially appeared capable of competing for promotion.
Results then became inconsistent. A difficult winter run, disciplinary problems and defensive vulnerabilities undermined the early momentum.
Dismissal in February 2018
Christiansen was dismissed on 4 February 2018 following a 4–1 home defeat to Cardiff City. Leeds had gone seven league matches without a victory and had slipped away from the play-off places.
Paul Heckingbottom was appointed as his successor. Leeds ultimately finished the season in 13th place.
Legacy
Christiansen’s Leeds tenure is remembered for its contrasting halves: an encouraging start and a disappointing decline. His side briefly raised hopes of promotion, but the team could not sustain its early form over a long Championship season.