Leeds United finalise three-man shortlist for manager position, Marcelo Gallardo won’t mind joining
Leeds United could look to appoint former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo who would not mind joining and is now on the final list of candidates along with Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot, according to D Sports Radio.
The Whites are in the process of appointing their next manager following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, and the club are exploring their options. Sky Sports suggested on 9 February that Iraola was open to joining Elland Road, and was the leading contender to replace Marsch. However, Rayo Vallecano have blocked the move.
The Whites could make a second attempt to sign Iraola [90min], but Sky Sports also suggest that Feyenoord boss, Slot, is now the “one to watch”.
D Sports Radio shared on Twitter (9 February) that Gallardo would not mind coming to the Premier League club and that he remains another major option for the Whites.
“Now. Leeds want Marcelo Gallardo. The coach is on the final list of candidates along with Andoni Iraola (Rayo Vallecano) and Arne Slot (Feyenoord). The former DT of River Plate would not mind coming to the English club,” wrote D Sports Radio.
Take time
It looks like Iraola probably won’t be joining the Whites. Rather, the links to Slot are gathering pace.
The Feyenoord boss appears to be the first-choice option now but it will be interesting to see whether he would be at all willing to move to the Premier League.
In that respect, Gallardo would be a realistic appointment. The 47-year-old manager is currently out of job, and Victor Orta is an admirer of him, as suggested by Phil Hay [8 February].
While the Whites would be eager to make a quick appointment, possibly ahead of their Premier League game against Manchester United at the weekend, the club should take their time and make the right move.
The experiment with Marsch backfired horribly and the club should learn from their mistakes. More than appointing someone who speaks about long-term plans and project, the club need someone who can bring instant results.
Even if the club appoint someone before the weekend’s game, he will hardly get time to work with the players. Also, the performance in midweek at Old Trafford should encourage the board to stick with the caretaker bosses at least for another game.
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