What Pablo Hernandez has said about being future Leeds manager as he embarks on new role
Pablo Hernandez is set to embark on his first senior managerial role.
Hernandez was part of Leeds’ 2019/20 promotion-winning squad under the guidance of the legendary Marcelo Bielsa.
Now, it is Hernandez’s turn to take to the dugout, with Castellon confirming Hernandez will be their interim manager following Johan Plat’s dismissal.
Although the Spanish playmaker is yet to take charge of his first game, it will not stop Leeds supporters fantasising about seeing Hernandez in the dugout at Elland Road one day, with that dream now becoming one step closer.
Pablo Hernandez admits managing Leeds or Valencia would be his ‘dream’
Hernandez, 40, was appointed manager of Castellon’s B team in June last year but is now set to make the step up to manage his boyhood club.
After leaving Leeds in 2021, the former Spain international joined Castellon as a player to see out the twilight of his career back home.
However, Hernandez’s old comments about managing Leeds now seem more relevant than ever, considering he will soon have his first notable taste of senior football management.
Speaking to Flashscore in 2024, Hernandez said: “Valencia and Leeds have been the clubs where I have spent the most time.
“Obviously, those two clubs, along with Club Deportivo Castellon, are very important to me. There were five years (at Leeds) where I felt very loved, very important, where I managed to get promoted to the Premier League and where, the truth is, I really enjoyed myself as a player.”
- Hernandez scored 21 Championship goals during his two seasons under Bielsa at Leeds
- The Spaniard also recorded 21 assists and was undoubtedly United’s best player at the time
- Hernandez’s late winner against Swansea in July 2020 effectively sealed the Whites’ Premier League return
“Yes, obviously, the clubs that are so important to me would be a dream (to manage), but it is something I am not considering at the moment. First, I want to learn a lot, I have a lot to learn, see if this is what really fulfils me and what I like, and in the future, we will see what it holds.”
If Hernandez does learn the lessons he needs to at Castellon, he would surely be welcomed back with open arms in the future in West Yorkshire.
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Pablo Hernandez appointment could be bad news for Daniel Farke
If Hernandez hits the ground running at Castellon and is given the job permanently, this could pile even more pressure on Farke.
Especially if the German manager is relegated with Leeds, the 49ers may want to go in a different direction with Hernandez, who may be viewed as a young and exciting managerial prospect at the time.
His club legend status will instantly ensure there is an unbreakable bond between Hernandez and the supporters, similarly to the way things were under Bielsa.
The stars could be beginning to align to see the Spanish magician back at Leeds.
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