Leeds United‘s top target in pursuit of Jesse Marsch’s successor was reportedly Andoni Iraola of Rayo Vallecano but a move has hit the buffers.
Fabrizio Romano is now suggesting the Whites will move on to other targets, such as Arne Slot of Feyenoord, but the manager has not been contacted so far, he said: “Andoni Iraola, now set to stay at Rayo Vallecano despite Leeds United job talks.
He also relayed Arne Slot’s comments on Leeds links (per ESPNNL): “I’ve read the news but I haven’t seen anything on my phone. What will I do when a message comes in from Leeds? Open the message”.
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Who else are Leeds United looking to appoint as manager?
Despite links to Iraola and Slot continuing to circle, there have been new names that have emerged, with The Guardian reporting that Leeds could turn to some Premier League experience in the shape of Rafa Benítez or Ralph Hasenhüttl.
The report states: “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.”
It had first been reported by iNews that Leeds included former Southampton manager Hasenhüttl within their shortlist to take over.
Could Leeds United appoint Mauricio Pochettino?
The Guardian are also reporting that Victor Orta is a keen admirer of the former Tottenham Hotspur manager. He is another name with a wealth of Premier League experience.
However, a move appears unlikely given Leeds’ position in the table, according to Louise Taylor, she wrote: “While Orta is an admirer of Mauricio Pochettino, it is thought unlikely that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager would relish involvement in a relegation skirmish.”
Benítez is a safe and steady pair of hands if Leeds were to require an interim manager until the end of the season. However, Hasenhüttl’s style is far too close to Marsch’s and he should be avoided.
Neither would be as good as Pochettino, though, but it is correct to conceive that a move for hum is likely, given he is an elite coach and capable of walking into many different jobs across the continent.
Leeds seem to be spinning many plates at the moment, but need to act quickly to find a new manager considering the precarious league position they find themselves in presently. They will need time to implement new strategies and ideas.
Just like buying players, screw around and go cheap and then end up with everyone’s rejects, yes sounds typical Leeds doesn’t it
IT’S NO LONGER ‘WHO DO YOU WANT’ – IT’S ‘WHO CAN YOU GET’?