Carlos Corberan has signed a new deal at West Brom amid links to the Leeds United job following Jesse Marsch’s sacking at Elland Road earlier this week.
Leeds are on the lookout for Marsch’s permanent successor, as they bid to save their Premier League status once again.
After 11 wins in 16 games since taking charge at West Brom, Leeds’ former U23s head coach, Corberan, was reportedly an option.
However, according to talkSPORT, he wanted a longer contract than the 18 months on offer at Leeds and has since signed new terms at West Brom.
Our writers Kris (FA5) and Alfie (N12) discuss that interest in Corberan.
What is encouraging about the managers that Leeds seemingly have on their radar, is that every single one would be a positive appointment.
Corberan obviously isn’t joining with West Brom shrewdly tying down one of the most promising coaches outside of the Premier League, but their attempts to move quickly highlight how much they value him.
With the Spaniard, it would be very easy and cliche just to point to the fact ‘he knows the club’ as a reason for why he’d work, but the opposite at West Brom is actually proof of his ability to quickly improve players.
He’s taken them from the relegation scrap to the promotion battle since October, and Leeds could do worse than appointing someone of his calibre, even if he does lack top-flight experience.
Meanwhile, West Brom have just ensured they are in with a great shout of promotion with this agreement.
Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Man United ahead of midweek clash?
Corberan would’ve been a risk, but a risk worth taking.
If you look at the jobs he’s done so far in England, it’s been a case of collecting a struggling side and transforming them over a relatively short period.
His Huddersfield side flirted with relegation in his first season, before reaching the Championship play-off final 12 months later. At West Brom, he’s led them from the relegation zone into the top-six within a quarter of the season, turning things around quite rapidly.
Leeds need that kind of instant impact and also a long-term vision, which Corberan offers them as a young coach already making big waves at a good level in England.
There are, obviously, other names in the mix that might be more attractive options and Corberan isn’t coming now. However, Leeds were right to consider him for the head coach role at Elland Road.
He’s got a track record of a short-term and mid-term impact at EFL clubs, whilst his ability to improve players and drive standards tick more boxes.
If the alternative is an upgrade on Corberan, Leeds will hope to be striking gold.
Who should replace Marsch long-term?
Arne Slot
Andoni Iraola
Marcelo Gallardo
Other?
