He’s definitely gone: Leeds rubbish Milanic claims

DARKO MILANIC’s claims that he has not officially been sacked by Leeds United have been rejected by the club.
Darko Milanic.Darko Milanic.
Darko Milanic.

The Slovenian was shown the door after just 32 days in charge after Saturday’s defeat to Wolves, just a month into his two-year contract which runs until 2016.

Milanic says has been placed on paid ‘gardening’ leave and will get paid for the rest of his contract.

He is due to return to the continent this week.

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Speaking to Slovenian radio, the 46-year-old said: “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.”

While technically speaking at least, Milanic could return to Leeds before the expiry of his contract in 2016, that appears extremely unlikely – with the club adamant he has been formally sacked.

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Meanwhile, Milanic has hit back at Massimo Cellino accusing him of being a negative coach with a ‘losing mentality.’

The former Sturm Graz and Maribor head coach has professed disappointment at Cellino’s comments, while insisting he believes he did not make a mistake coming to Leeds.

He said: “Cellino said I’m a loser? He should look at my CV.”

“In six games with the team, I made a big step forward.

“It is true that we had bad results, but the day before the game we had praise from all sides on how the situation was improving.

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“I do not believe I made a mistake in joining Leeds. I just wish that someone would believe in me.

“The atmosphere at home and away is amazing. I’m not sorry (about agreeing to take the job).

“The work ethic was excellent, the willingness of the players was very good.

“You need order to be able to do anything.

“This is an extremely tight deadline, but I was familiar with the risk at Leeds.”

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