Leppälahti started as a youth coach for FC Espoo, HIFK and FC Honka, and in 2015 was named the head coach of his former youth club Espoon Palloseura (EPS), competing in the fifth-tier Nelonen. At the end of the season, the club gained a promotion to Kolmonen.[1] In 2017 he was a youth coach for Käpylän Pallo (KäPa).
Jippo
After coaching in the Northampton Town academy between 2017 and 2018, Leppälahti returned to Finland and on 25 September 2018 he was named the head coach of Jippo in the third-tier Kakkonen.[2] The club gained a promotion to Ykkönen for the 2021 season,[3] but was relegated back one year later.
KTP
Leppälahti was named the head coach of newly relegated Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat (KTP) for the 2022 Ykkönen season, and led the team win the Ykkönen title and earn a promotion back to top-tier Veikkausliiga for the 2023.[4] On 23 August 2023, Leppälahti was unexpectedly dismissed by KTP,[5] after the club had first exercised their option and extended his contract earlier in the summer.[6] Prior to his departure, KTP were 10th in the league standings and had gained 20 points in 20 matches, with five wins and five draws.
Gnistan
On 10 November 2023, IF Gnistan from Oulunkylä, Northern Helsinki, appointed Leppälahti as their new manager.[7] Later it was announced that Gnistan were granted the league license for 2024 Veikkausliiga season via supplemental process.[8] Leppälahti was named the Veikkausliiga Coach of the Month in August 2024, after leading his team to a four-game unbeaten run in the league during the month,[9] and a five-game winning streak in total. On 30 September, his contract was extended for the 2025.[10]
Leppälahti has also worked as a sports journalist in 2010s for Jalkapallolehti, Urheilulehti and Elmo, gaining popularity as a critical writer with controversial and provocative style.[11][12]
