#INSERT type:image caption:Massimo Cellino accused Neil Redfearn of trying to turn Leeds fans against him. END#
Neil Redfearn's time as Leeds head coach appears certain to end this week after club owner Massimo Cellino branded him "weak" and "a baby" in an interview with the Sunday Mirror.
Redfearn's deal to coach the first team expires on June 30, and Cellino -- back in office after serving a Football League suspension for breaching its Owners and Directors rules -- has shown no willingness to renew it.
That decision has caused anger among Leeds fans after Redfearn stabilised the team following the ill-fated reigns of David Hockaday and Darko Milanic.
Cellino, who has said he does not intent to sell the Elland Road club, launched an outspoken attack on Redfearn, claiming the 49-year-old had tried to turn Leeds fans against him during his ban and saying he loves the club more than the coach does.
"He tried to play the fans against me to keep his place. Do you think that Neil Redfearn loves Leeds more than me?" the Italian said.
"Tell me why I am in Leeds, why am I so involved with the club? Why am I putting in a lot of money, killing myself? Because I fell in love with this club. But to love this club is to do something for this club.
"Neil Redfearn does the [Leeds United fans'] salute. He challenged me. If you are good I can accept the challenge. But not if you are a bad coach.
"He has to respect the chairman. He has to respect the club. He's like a baby. He's been badly advised and used by someone. He is not a bad person, but he has a weak personality."
Cellino's comments came after he refused to directly discuss Redfearn's future in a bizarre 70-minute press conference on Thursday, punctuated by him walking out midway through for a cigarette and leaving newly-appointed executive director Adam Pearson to try and answer questions.
Cellino -- who faces two further court hearings related to tax issues in June -- is upset that Redfearn did not attend a drinks reception upon his return to Elland Road, although it has been reported that Redfearn was not invited to the event.
Redfearn has yet to speak to Cellino since the Italian return to office.
Deposed Brentford manager Mark Warburton and former Leeds assistant boss Gus Poyet are reported to be among the frontrunners to replace Redfearn.