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Ben Jacobs: Leeds United bosses keeping 'all options open' over permanent managerial appointment
Leeds United are keeping “all options” open regarding their next managerial appointment at Elland Road this summer, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Whites finally announced Javi Gracia in February after unsuccessful attempts at luring Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot to replace Jesse Marsch.
The former Watford manager had been appointed on a contract until the end of the campaign, implying that the side’s survival in the Premier League could determine whether he gets the job.
The Whites have undergone an upturn in Premier League form since Gracia’s appointment picking up seven points out of a possible 12.
And Jacobs believes that there are “lots of moving parts” inside Elland Road, indicating that no option is off the table for club chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
Speaking to GiveMeSport [20 March], he said: “We know that Andoni Iraola was a top choice, but there was no ability to get a deal done with Rayo Vallecano and Iraola wasn’t that intent on leaving mid-season either.
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“There are lots of moving parts with Leeds at the moment, and the best way for Gracia to get the job beyond this season is to keep Leeds up.
“But I think all options are being kept open at this stage.”
Sensible decision
It is vitally important Radrizzani keeps his options open at this stage as there’s still a lot of time to go before the Whites are probably forced to make a decision at the end of the campaign, however, the club’s safety in the Premier League is of paramount importance.
The decision to give Gracia until the end of the season was incredibly sensible and totally the right one and the Spaniard is currently likely to be impressing club bosses with the club undergoing an upturn in results of late.
The former Watford coach could still end up being a permanent option if the club secure their status in the English top flight for next season.
However, the part-owners 49ers enterprises who are set for a full takeover this summer and Radrizzani will certainly be enticed by the likes of Iraola and Slot once again, considering both their managerial potential and high ceilings right now.
Though, Gracia’s previous Premier League experience and the job he is doing right now should make him the more sensible option if it comes to it.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have yet another injury concern going into the international break as this ace has trouble with his left ankle after the Wolves win.
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