Andoni Iraola could still become Leeds United manager despite rejecting job – Adam Pope
Andoni Iraola should not be ruled out of becoming the next Leeds manager despite talks being at a standstill currently, according to Adam Pope.
The Whites have been rejected in their advances to hire Marcello Gallardo, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlos Corberan and Arne Slot as a replacement for Jesse Marsch, who was sacked as boss on Monday (6 February).
But despite some reports that Iraola had also rejected the role, the club could still return for him and pay his release clause at Rayo Vallecano and according to BBC Sport’s Pope, he shouldn’t be ruled out for the role just yet.
“Probably best not to rule anyone out just yet – including Andoni Iraola of Rayo Vallecano – which is currently at a standstill,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (10 February).
Ongoing
It seems inevitable that Leeds will have to return to the negotiating table for a new manager after being turned down so many times, but Iraola is an interesting case.
He was immediately seen as one of the front runners and reports are unclear on whether he actually turned them down or if Leeds walked away because of his release clause being too high.
But they may not have an option anymore because options are thinning and time is running out before it starts to look ridiculous.
The club were initially hopeful of having someone in place ahead of the weekend clash with Manchester United, but that now won’t be happening and thus is taking more time away from any potential relegation battle we could find ourselves in.
It’s all looking messy, but Iraola is clearly still in the thoughts of the higher ups at Elland Road and a return to the table for him is looking more and more likely.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.