Leeds United owner compares hiring managers to buying watermelons

Massimo Cellino, owner of Leeds United Football Club, has replied to criticism about his frequent changing of managers by comparing the recruitment process to watermelons.

The Italian sacked Uwe Rosler on Monday after a disappointing start to the season. It has been the fifth sacking at the club in 18 months.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, he defended the decision, saying: “Managers and coaches are like watermelons. They look good when you buy [them]. You think you have bought the best watermelon in the shop, but they didn’t let you open it before you pay the bill. You bring it home, and then you open the watermelon. Sometimes it is beautiful. Sometimes it is not good at all. But what do you do? You eat it anyway. I have tried to eat it sometimes, to make the watermelon better.”