Andoni Iraola reveals Leeds United approach insight, eyes Premier League job in Sky Sports interview
Andoni Iraola says the failed Leeds United approach to appoint him as manager this season was over in “one day” and doesn’t yet know if he will get “the chance I want” in the Premier League.
The Spaniard was a leading candidate to replace Jesse Marsch when the American was sacked on 6 February, and thought to be Victor Orta’s preferred option at the time.
Rayo Vallecano were not interested in letting him go and Javi Gracia was eventually brought in, but while the 40-year-old is focused on his current job he acknowledged the attraction of working in the “top” Premier League.
Iraola told Sky Sports (17 May): “They thought in me as an option to coach there. I talked to Rayo Vallecano that were obviously the ones that had to make the decision. I understood also that Rayo wanted to continue with me. It was a matter of one day, it wasn’t more.
“I think that right now the Premier League is probably the top league, because in the end it’s about budget, it’s about money, and right now they are by far the richest league.
“I don’t know if later I will have the chance I want. We as managers cannot make mid to long-term plans. I am very happy here in Rayo Vallecano, we still have a lot of things to play this season and that’s where I’m really focused.”
Miss
Rayo have fallen away from the lofty position they were in at the point where the Whites wanted Iraola, currently in 11th, but it is likely that he will remain a target for clubs in the near future.
With Orta gone and Leeds United hoping Sam Allardyce can pull off a late escape their bed is very much made for this chaotic season.
Whether the veteran Englishman is long for Elland Road, if he succeeds in keeping the club up or not, is in question.
And if he does do so, allowing Andrea Radrizzani to complete the sale of Leeds to 49ers Enterprises there could be a complete change of direction among the hierarchy.
But it certainly sounds like Iraola may arrive in the Premier League at some point, whether that is straight from the Madrid club or not.
And with the Whites having made their intentions clear once he could remain on the shortlist if they stay a top flight outfit and are looking to bring in a new long-term option.
In other Leeds United news, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s relegation predictions music to fans’ ears.