Andrea Radrizzani was happy to approve Leeds United’s move for Carlos Corberan this week, but Victor Orta wanted to explore “alternative options” when searching for Jesse Marsch’s replacement.
Leeds moved to sack Marsch on Monday afternoon following Sunday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving Michael Skubala heading a caretaker team that oversaw a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday night.
The return fixture between Leeds and Man United comes around tomorrow, with Skubala in-charge once more, whilst the board at Elland Road continue to work on sourcing Marsch’s replacement.
That’s proving difficult with Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot currently overseeing attractive projects at Rayo Vallecano and Feyenoord respectively, despite Leeds’ interest.
Carlos Corberan to Leeds United off?
Corberan was another name floated around at the time of Marsch’s sacking, although he signed a new contract with West Brom on Tuesday night, pinning speculation there and then.
The Daily Mail has taken a look at Leeds’ interest in Corberan, suggesting that Andrea Radrizzani was happy to approve a move to lure the 39-year-old back to Elland Road, where he was a coach between 2017 and 2020.
That move was said to be “straightforward” if Leeds wanted, yet Victor Orta stalled to explore alternative targets.
”It remains to be seen whether Leeds would consider returning to Corberan, despite the fact he is just three days into a new contract,” was the message the Mail’s report signed off with, suggesting the door is not completely closed on Leeds moving for Corberan.
Corberan’s new contract at West Brom sees him through until the summer of 2027.
Who should replace Marsch long-term?
Arne Slot
Andoni Iraola
Marcelo Gallardo
Other?
This is a huge decision for Leeds to make and one that needs careful consideration.
Like Radrizzani, most would have been happy to see the club make a move for Corberan, who is having a strong impact in the Championship. However, giving the decision more thought, as Orta has done, isn’t something that’s catastrophic.
It’s allowed West Brom to tie Corberan down to a new deal, but all that does is increase his release clause a touch. If Leeds wanted to make an approach, they still could.
The longer the club’s search for a new head coach goes on, your gut-feeling is that a move for Corberan isn’t completely off the table.