Victor Orta wants Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola for Leeds United job
Victor Orta’s preferred option in the Leeds United manager hunt is Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, according to Mail+.
The 40-year-old has the La Liga side punching well above their weight and currently in fifth place, just three points behind Atletico Madrid.
The Whites sporting director was a key backer of Jesse Marsch before he was sacked on Monday (6 February) and is central to the search for a replacement, where in compatriot Iraola he wants to bring back the influence of previous manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Mail+ reported on Tuesday afternoon (7 February): “Orta was influential in the appointment of Marsch last year and is again playing a key role in hiring his successor, leaning on his connections in his Spanish homeland.
“He is keen on former Spain international Iraola, who has led Rayo to fifth in La Liga and draws his coaching inspiration from ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, who he played under at Athletic Bilbao.”
Chosen one?
Orta’s backing kept Marsch in the role for longer than others in the club hierarchy wanted, so his view holds sway but not forever.
Carlos Corberan’s new contract at West Brom appears to have ruled him out of the running despite being a favourite of Andrea Radrizzani.
But there are other names on the shortlist, with the numbers reduced to four before the Baggies boss extended his Hawthorns deal.
Iraola, the long-time Athletic Bilbao defender was actually a team mate of Jack Harrison at New York City FC, so he already has at least one link to the current squad, although the English winger’s long-term future is a question he will have to negotiate if he gets the job.
Iraola has overseen a considerable climb in his current job and will no doubt be attracting plenty of attention from needy clubs across Europe.
But it appears that there is now a fair chance that the Whites will be the ones to steal in first and entrust their fight against relegation to him.
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