Jonty Banks

Tue 7 February 2023 11:40, UK

Carlos Corberan has been “long admired” by Leeds United, but his lack of top-flight experience raises questions if they were to appoint him as Jesse Marsch’s successor, according to Phil Hay.

The Whites parted ways with American manager Marsch after less than 12 months at the helm, with the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday (5 February) proving to be the final straw.

West Brom boss Corberan has been made the immediate frontrunner for the job after previously working under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road as a prominent member of his coaching staff. [90min, 6 February]

The Athletic’s journalist Hay acknowledged on Twitter (Tuesday 7 February) that Leeds’ hierarchy were avid fans of the Baggies manager from their previous experiences together.

He wrote: “Going to be links to Corberan because Leeds have long admired him, back to his academy coaching days.

“Only question is lack of top-flight experience.”

Natural successor

It seems like the stars have aligned for Corberan to return to Elland Road as manager, and it could prove to be a shrewd move despite his lack of Premier League experience.

The Spaniard has masterminded a remarkable turnaround at the Hawthorns since taking the reins from Steve Bruce earlier this season, with his side currently sitting in the Championship promotion play-off places.

His understanding of the setup in place at Elland Road and the personnel in positions of power provide Corberan with a huge headstart on any other applicants for the job.

The Whites should surely be able to lure Corberan from his job in the West Midlands, despite only being there five months, with the guarantee of Premier League football and an international standard squad at his disposal.

The first team is by no means short of talent, and the money invested in it during the January transfer window has only made Leeds a more attractive project.

In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the club’s pursuit of Carlos Corberan.