Leeds United could return to make Andoni Iraola manager in summer despite Javi Gracia arrival
Leeds United could still return to make Andoni Iraola their manager in the summer despite Javi Gracia’s imminent arrival at Elland Road, according to The Guardian.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay reported on Tuesday morning (21 February) that the Whites were set to announce former Watford boss Gracia as Jesse Marsch’s successor, with a deal tabled until the end of the season.
Rayo Vallecano boss Iraola was among the top candidates to take the role immediately and could still be on the radar for a move to the West Yorkshire in the future, with his contract at the La Liga club set to expire at the end of the season.
“Two of their preferred candidates, West Brom’s Carlos Corberán and Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, proved out of reach but Leeds may try again for Iraola in the summer,” the Guardian wrote (Tuesday 21 February).
“Staying in the top flight would be key to any hope of getting him then.”
Survival key
It was always thought that Leeds wanted Iraola as their next manager after his impressive exploits in Spain, but a deal was never reached.
The club’s thinking to allow Michael Skubala to take charge until the end of the season was most likely with the thinking of making Iraola boss in the summer, and if Gracia does sign a short-term contract, it could still be on the cards.
Surviving in the Premier League is obviously crucial to acquiring Iraola’s services in the summer, with the manager on the cusp of European football with Rayo Vallecano at the moment, and therefore unlikely to leave for Championship football.
However, if Gracia were to keep Leeds in the Premier League with a string of fine results, would he want to stay on at the club into next season? The minutiae of his contract at Elland Road will clear up whether he has the option to extend his stay beyond the summer.
But if not, Iraola could still be waiting in the wings for his chance at Leeds.
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