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Andoni Iraola to Leeds United: What do we know? Is a move likely for the La Liga gem?

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One of the managers Leeds United appear to be looking at to succeed from Jesse Marsch is Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola.

Leeds’ Premier League status is under threat once again this season, and it has ultimately cost Jesse Marsch his job in the Elland Road dugout.

The Whites parted ways with the American after 11 months in charge, with his final game for the club a 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The job for Victor Orta is now to source the right replacement for Marsch in good enough time to bring a quick turnaround in form as crucial fixtures loom large.

Andoni Iraola is one of the candidates, and here, we look at everything we know about the prospect of him taking over…

What has been reported?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay initially revealed Leeds’ keen interest in the 40-year-old, who is currently impressing in his tenure at La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

Such reports have since been backed up by Fabrizio Romano and the Daily Mail, with both claiming that the Spaniard is the top priority for Leeds as things stand.

What would he bring?

Iraola has made a real name for himself in Spain as one of the best emerging managers in the country, with his Vallecano stint catching the eye.

Taking over the club in the Segunda Division, Iraola clinched promotion in 2020/21, before taking his side to the Spanish Cup semi-final last season, and he currently has them sitting fifth in the table and just three points behind the Champions League places on a limited budget.

The once reliable captain of Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Club side, Iraola’s managerial principles do share a lot of similarities to the Argentine with man-to-man pressing fairly prominent, but not an overarching theme, with less focus on that beyond the initial wave of pressing up top.

In terms of his attacking setup, it’s a very wide setup with emphasis on the full-backs getting forward to create an overload when the ball is shifted from side to side to find spare options and space to get in behind.

Who should replace Marsch long-term?

Arne Slot

Arne Slot

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola

Marcelo Gallardo

Marcelo Gallardo

Other?

Other?

Is a move likely?

A move looks to be progressing, with the Daily Mail’s report detailing that Victor Orta had travelled to Spain in order to progress talks with Iraola.

It has to be said, though, that he is in the same position as a lot of other managers Leeds are reportedly looking at, with a fantastic project midway through, and in a tough spot to leave at this stage in the season.

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February 2022, Elland Road?

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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.