Marcelo Gallardo wants European chance amid Leeds United manager links
Marcelo Gallardo is holding out for a European opportunity after the former River Plate manager was linked with the vacant role at Leeds United, according to Marca Argentina.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay suggested (The Athletic, 7 February) Victor Orta is an admirer of the former Argentinian international, who is currently out of work.
Marca have since reported that Gallardo is well aware of the interest from Europe and is holding out for the right opportunity after declining offers from Brazil.
“The Argentine is free after leaving River last December and waiting for an opportunity in Europe beyond some financial temptations he received from Brazil,” they wrote (8 February).
“The truth is that Marcelo Gallardo is not option A for Leeds United, but he is the one with whom they can sit down to chat without problems because the other alternatives are the Spanish Andoni Iraola and the Dutch Arnold Slot, who are at Rayo Vallecano and Feyenoord, respectively.
“Gallardo already received a survey from Ajax a few weeks ago, but he rejected the possibility and knows very well that it is a temptation for several teams in Europe.”
Bielsa mould
It’s abundantly clear Leeds are heading down a certain route when it comes to their new manager hunt. Gallardo is very much in the Bielsa mould and also extremely experienced. To have been in charge of River Plate for eight years shows he knows what he is doing.
With Andoni Iraola also in the frame for the job, the board are potentially sticking to what they know. They want a manager who is going to entertain and focus on the attacking side of the game. However, is that what Leeds need right now? Under Jesse Marsch, they were found wanting on the counterattack and gave away far too many soft goals.
Long-term planning is required, but ultimately staying in the Premier League has to be an absolute priority for the Yorkshire side, and bringing in a manager who knows the lay of the land could be a wise move. If an appointment can be made before the home fixture against Manchester United, it will be hard to criticise the decision-makers at Elland Road.
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