Talks on Garry Monk's Leeds United future set for June

HEAD COACH Garry Monk remains calm about talks over his Leeds United future having to wait until June.
Leeds United boss Garry Monk. Picture: Simon HulmeLeeds United boss Garry Monk. Picture: Simon Hulme
Leeds United boss Garry Monk. Picture: Simon Hulme

The 38-year-old is focused on tomorrow’s final home game of the season against Norwich City.

A damaging run of four defeats in the last half dozen outings mean United’s play-off fate is no longer in their own hands despite the club starting this month with an eight-point cushion on the chasing pack.

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Now, Leeds trail sixth-placed Fulham by three points with just two games remaining.

Monk believes this deficit can be overcome, and this task is taking up all his energies at a time when supporters would like to see more clarity at the top of the club.

“I have not spoken to the club about anything at all,” said Monk yesterday after being asked for an update on his future. “Like the club said, they want to sit down in June and discuss those things so that’s fine. We will sit there at that point, but to be honest I am thinking of nothing else right now other than these two games coming up.”

Liam Bridcutt will again be missing for Leeds tomorrow when Norwich arrive at a sold-out Elland Road. The Leeds captain injured his Achilles in the 1-0 defeat at Reading that began the damaging late collapse of form. He also featured against Brentford four days later, but was visibly troubled by the problem.

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As for Monk, he is adamant that the current situation over his future is not proving a distraction. Asked if he felt June was late to begin managerial discussions, he replied: “You have to respect the club and the situation.

“They made it clear that they want to sit down in June. All of those things will be discussed and that is a natural process. All I can think about is these two games.

“I am not worried about my future or those discussions. I am fully focused on these players and this club and making sure that on Saturday – with all those fans coming along – that we give the best account of ourselves as possible.

“The time will come when we discuss going forward and, of course, myself and the club will have to agree on how we go forward and be aligned to that. That is the normal process.

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“Honestly, I am only focused on these two games – and especially Norwich. I want us to give ourselves the best opportunity to go into that last game (at Wigan) with, hopefully, the chance to play for something in the play-offs.”