Leeds United to consider ‘the next Iraola’ after Daniel Farke sack news
Leeds United could be set for a key change in their managerial position, despite achieving promotion from the Championship.
Daniel Farke has led Leeds to the Premier League at the second time of asking, having lost the play-off final in his first season, but he may not get the chance to join them there.
Leeds are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2023, but face a difficult season as they aim to compete in a league where promoted teams have massively struggled in recent years.
It now appears that Farke could be sacked despite their promotion, and Leeds should now aim to make a very exciting appointment to replace him.
Leeds should consider Jagoba Arrasate to replace Farke
Leeds are aiming to become the first promoted side in three years to survive in the Premier League, and an ambitious appointment may be the best way to achieve this.
If Farke departs, there are a whole host of managers who could replace him, but Mallorca boss Jagoba Arrasate should be near the top of the wish-list.
| Position | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Conceded | Goal difference | Points per game |
| 7th | 33 | 12 | 8 | 13 | 31 | 38 | -7 | 1.33 |
Arrasate only joined Mallorca from Osasuna last summer, but the 47-year-old’s credentials go back a lot further.
The Basque-born coach led Osasuna to European qualification for the first time in 16 years, as well as the Copa Del Rey final in 2023, where his side were narrowly beaten by Real Madrid.
Now the former Real Sociedad coach has Mallorca punching above their weight in seventh place and heading for Europe, and he could be the ideal coach to help Leeds do similar, despite the heavy pressure that will come with the role.
Arrasate can be Leeds’ Andoni Iraola
The Daily Mail have reported that Leeds want to follow the example of Bournemouth, who replaced Gary O’Neil with Andoni Iraola, and have advanced up the table under the Basque coach.
Iraola joined after punching above his weight with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, and playing exciting, attacking football, which he is now doing with Bournemouth.
Leeds would likely have to promise significant backing to Arrasate to convince him to join, as Bournemouth have done with Iraola, but he could be the trend-breaking coach for a promoted side in the top-flight.
Arrasate has consistently overperformed on a low budget, with his sides also playing a high-pressing style similar to that of Marcelo Bielsa.
Although he is not a big name, Arrasate could be the perfect find for Leeds to help take them to the next level in the top-flight, if he is willing to make the move.