A delegation from Leeds has returned empty-handed from Madrid after failing to persuade the Rayo Vallecano head coach , Andoni Iraola, to take over from Jesse Marsch
• Leeds searching for successor to Jesse Marsch
Relegation-threatened Leeds are desperate to recruit a new head coach following Jesse Marsch’s sacking on Monday but two key names on their initial four-man shortlist have now dropped out.
On Tuesday night, the West Brom head coach, Carlos Corberán, once Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant at Elland Road, put an end to suggestions of a return to Yorkshire by signing a new contract at the Hawthorns.
Iraola’s decision to remain in La Liga leaves Leeds’s hopes of introducing a new manager to the Elland Road crowd when Manchester United visit on Sunday, very much in the balance.
The 40-year-old Iraola, who has led Rayo Vallecano to fifth in La Liga and whose tactical philosophy is centred on the pressing game Marsch’s predecessor, Bielsa introduced at Leeds finally emerged in public to tell Spanish journalists he was going nowhere.
Other alternatives for Leeds
It is thought Leeds are targeting managers currently in work but it is not inconceivable that, should they meet further closed doors, directors thoughts could turn to the immediately available Rafael Benítez or Ralph Hasenhüttl.
Other options for Leeds sporting director Victor Orta reportedly include the Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and Bodø/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen.
Orta is an admirer of Mauricio Pochettino but it is unlikely that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager would relish involvement in a relegation fight.
Related content
23:04 - 08.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Sancho plays role of super-sub to rescue United against valiant Leeds
Manchester United’s 13-match winning run at Old Trafford came to an end after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Leeds United. The Red Devils fought back from two goals down to rescue a point.
17:39 - 08.02.2023
TRANSFERS Tottenham to rival Chelsea in pursuit of Diogo Costa
Tottenham are interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris.
15:10 - 07.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Tracking the club managers sacked this season
The stakes in the Premier League are higher than ever and any spell of bad form could mark the end of the road for a manager.
11:20 - 07.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Leeds confirm interim staff to take charge of Man Utd game
Leeds have confirmed the management team that will take charge of their Premier League clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.