List Articles

2 pros and 2 cons to Leeds United considering fresh Andoni Iraola approach this summer

|
Image for 2 pros and 2 cons to Leeds United considering fresh Andoni Iraola approach this summer

Leeds United could be looking to renew their interest in Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola in the summer, with the Spaniard set to leave his club.

There have been a host of managerial changes at the foot of the Premier League this season, with Leeds being one of those clubs to pull the trigger, sacking Jesse Marsch in February.

Their first target to replace him was Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, before being turned down, leaving Leeds to search frantically for a replacement and landing Javi Gracia later in the month.

Gracia was appointed on a flexible contract at Elland Road, suggesting that a move for a new manager such as Iraola could be on the cards at the end of the season, with Cadena Ser claiming that the La Liga boss is set to leave when his contract expires.

Here, we look at two pros and two cons to Leeds making a new approach to appoint Iraola…

Pro: Leeds would be getting a great manager

One thing that is clear about Iraola’s managerial career so far is that he is a very intelligent coach that has improved his Vallecano side drastically since taking over in 2020.

Leading his side to promotion in 2020/21, Iraola has continued to impress with his current squad, taking them to a Spanish Cup semi-final while having them in the hunt for a European place this season.

Leeds have been impressed by the way his side are playing too, and it’s no shock to see that he stems from a coaching style not too dissimilar to Marcelo Bielsa, given he was the Argentine’s captain during their time at Athletic Club.

Con: Seriously undermines Gracia’s achievements

Thinking about appointing a new manager seems wildly unfair to Gracia, who is currently doing a solid job to keep Leeds in the Premier League.

Should Gracia be able to keep Leeds in the top-flight, then there needs to be some consideration at the very least for him to remain at the helm long-term.

Him keeping us up and then leaving does seem a touch insulting to the work he will be putting in every day.

Will Leeds stay up?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Pro: A fresh start and approach

Leeds are heading into a summer with a lot of changes afoot, given that a takeover is expected imminently if we stay in the Premier League.

With that fresh beginning under a new regime, perhaps the San Francisco 49ers are eager to get their own managerial target in the door, with an investment structure there to support him.

Leeds need to change something if they want to stop wallowing at the bottom of the Premier League, and getting a new manager in might help that.

Con: Relative lack of experience

At 40, Vallecano is Iraola’s first major managerial position so far, taking them back into La Liga on a limited budget.

His credentials speak for themselves, but it’s a small sample size to consider, and perhaps not as convincing as other managers on the shortlist might be.

In Gracia, Leeds know they have a manager who has overachieved with a side previously fighting relegation at Watford, and that experience could be very valuable.

Quiz: How well do you know Leeds United head coach Javi Gracia? Find out here…

1 of 15

What nationality is Gracia?

Share this article

Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.

0 comments

  • Charlotte says:

    Whilst I was all for bringing in the likes of Andoni Iraola after the Yank. I feel that if Javi manages to keep us up this season then he has done what he was bought in to do. And therefore should be given another bash. If he gets rid of some of the deadwood we have and are only here out of long term loyalty, brings in the players he wants with 49ers investment, then judge him

Comments are closed.