Leeds United close in on new manager, Andoni Iraola ready to take over
Leeds United are closing in on appointing Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola as their new manager, with the former Spanish international ready to take over at Elland Road, according to the Daily Express.
The Whites have been on the hunt for a new coach, following the sacking of Jesse Marsch on [Sky Sports, 6 February] Monday, after just under a year in charge.
Football Espana reported [8 February], that Leeds sporting director Victor Orta had already flown into Spain as he looks to finalise the club’s new manager process.
With Iraola earmarked as the frontrunner [BBC Sport, 8 February] for the Elland Road vacancy, he is now reportedly ready to replace Marsch as the next Leeds United manager.
According to the Daily Express [8 February, back page & pg. 57], Iraola is in the box seat for the vacant managerial role after fellow countryman Carlos Corberan shunned a return to West Yorkshire.
Exciting or Unproven?
Iraola could certainly represent an exciting proposition for the Elland Road board and the club fans, considering the tremendous work he’s done at Rayo Vallecano so far.
The Spanish outfit currently sits in fifth place in La Liga punching above their weight and made all the more spectacular considering their limited budget.
The former Athletico Bilbao man holds a penchant for high-intensity and possession-based style which is a far cry from what was shown for much of Marsch’s tenure.
Orta and the Whites board have certainly done their homework with this candidate, but considering the position the club finds itself in, is Iraola the right man to turn to right now? The Spaniard can be considered an unproven proposition too, which makes this a very risky appointment, with the club steeped in a relegation battle right now.
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