Manager quizzed on Leeds job yet again on Saturday morning in media grilling
Andoni Iraola was quizzed yet again on Saturday morning by Spanish media over the Leeds United job, amid constant links to the vacant position at Elland Road.
The Whites have been scrambling for a new manager for almost a week after sacking Jesse Marsch this week and the Rayo Vallecano boss is still currently the front-runner for the job after rejecting [Raul Granado, 8 February] Leeds’ advances to replace Marsch.
However, the West Yorkshire outfit are not giving up hope and will now look to revive their interest in Iraola in their search for a new head coach [Daily Mail (pg 116, 11 February].
“Sportsmail understands the Whites are now trying to revive a move for Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, despite that deal looking dead in the water on Wednesday,” as quoted by the Daily Mail.
And ahead of Vallecano’s La Liga clash with Getafe on Sunday, the Spaniard was quizzed yet again regarding his immediate future at the club.
He said [via Union Rayo, 11 February]: “It is true that there has been noise but my situation has not changed. Neither at a contractual level nor at a commitment level, I am still focused on Rayo. There have been no changes this week.
“I think the team is not affected much by this. Pathé left the other day and nothing has happened”
Will he fold?
It is now clear that Iraola is Orta’s favourite to replace Marsch. The Spanish club had already rejected the Whites advances last week, but yet the Whites are still standing firm in their approach.
But again, Iraola has all-but-said he is staying at the La Liga outfit, and why would he leave considering the terrific job he’s currently doing at the club who currently sits fifth in La Liga, and three points away from the Champions League places?
Why would he leave that for a relegation scrap, in a league and country he barely knows?
However, various managers have been swayed by the lure of the Premier League and it’s money before. So will Marcelo Bielsa’s disciple fold and follow in the Argentininan’s footsteps.
This is a saga that will certainly run to the last stretch. However, Leeds must act with precision and decisiveness, though as they are currently in a relegation scrap. Why not appoint an experienced head for the short term and then try again for Iraoloa in the summer? That seems the more plausible option.
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