Darko Milanic: “I do not believe I made a mistake joining Leeds”

Speaking on Slovenian radio, Milanic has spoken out after exiting Leeds after just six games and 32 days at the club, just a month into a two-year deal.

United president Massimo Cellino dispensed with the services of former Sturm Graz and Maribor head coach Milanic shortly after Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That took Milanic’s winless stint at United to six games, with the club picking up just three points from a possible 18.

Speaking to Radio Slovenija, Milanic claimed: “My contract was not terminated, I’m on paid leave.

“During this time I must be ready all the time to once again take over the team, if requested by the owner.

“My contract continues to run and I’m on vacation. I signed for two years and I will not terminate my contract.

In the same interview, Milanic insists that Cellino was wrong to say he has a losing mentality.

Cellino sanctioned the sacking on the Slovenian on Saturday evening, admitting he made a mistake in appointing him.

Cellino said: “I made a mistake with this guy. He is negative, he has a losing mentality.”

Despite Leeds not mustering a win under his watch, Milanic believes he has still made ‘a big step forward’ in his short time at Leeds and just believed he should have received more support from Cellino.

Milanic, 46, who won nine managerial honours at one of his former clubs Maribor – four Slovenian League titles, three Slovenian Cup triumphs and two Super Cup wins - said: “I do not believe I made a mistake joining Leeds.

‘”I just wish that somebody would believe in me. Sometimes a manager just needs some support.”

“Cellino said I’m a loser? He should look at my CV. In six games, I made a big step forward.

“Just before my last match I could hear praises from all side how compact Leeds is now, how the situation is improving.”

Neil Redfearn is now back in charge at United, following his caretaker stint earlier this season and is taking training at Thorp Arch today.

Leeds return to action next Saturday with a Championship game at Cardiff City.