Saturday 30 August 2014 12:18, UK
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino insists he would like to have sacked boss Dave Hockaday back at Elland Road one day.
The former Forest Green boss was the shock choice to replace Brian McDermott in the Leeds hot-seat in the summer.
However the 56-year-old lasted just six games in charge of the Championship club, departing after the 2-1 League Cup defeat by West Yorkshire rivals Bradford on Wednesday.
In the future, when I have a stronger team, I would like him to come back to Leeds.
Cellino, who had intended to sack Hockaday after the 4-1 defeat by Watford the game before but gave him a stay of execution, told The Sun: “I felt sorry for him and had to give him tranquillity.
“After the game on Wednesday, I found him in real trouble. It was hell for him. He was under big pressure. I had to do something.
“He is a very nice man – probably too nice.
“In the future, when I have a stronger team, I would like him to come back to Leeds.”
He admitted the environment was not right at Elland Road for Hockaday at present, adding: “I don’t think it was a fair chance for Hockaday.
“He needed an environment that was ready to protect him. The team isn’t strong enough, the whole culture isn’t right.
“It’s easier to coach Real Madrid than Leeds at the moment.”
