Leeds were linked with a move for Vitor Pereira as those at Elland Road attempted to replace Jesse Marsch in February.
There were whispers that the 54-year-old was being looked at by Leeds after the Whites failed with moves for Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot.
Wanderley Nogueira – a journalist for Jovem Pan – claimed that there was an approach from two Premier League sides for Pereira at a time where only Leeds and Southampton were managerless.
Now, it seems Leeds – and the Saints – might have dodged a bullet.
What’s the story?
Well, Pereira has now been sacked by Flamengo.
The Portuguese tactician – who was only appointed by the Brazilian giants in December – steered Flamengo out of the Brazilian Super Cup, the Club World Cup, the Recopa Sudamericana and the Rio State Championship since taking over.
Pereira has clearly failed to impress those above him – losing eight of his 20 games in charge – and he has now been handed his P45 as Jorge Jesus and Jorge Sampaoli emerge as potential replacements, according to ESPN.
Leeds had lucky escape with Vitor Pereira
If Leeds really did make an attempt to hire Pereira, we aren’t quite sure what they were thinking.
Javi Gracia is a far better coach and has a vast amount of Premier League experience.
Despite Sunday’s woeful display against Crystal Palace, the Spaniard has actually done a decent job since replacing Marsch, picking up three wins and a draw from seven Premier League outings so far.
In regards to Pereira, he has not exactly enjoyed much success in management in recent years as his star fades – Everton fans even held protests when he emerged as the No.1 option to replace Rafa Benitez.
Regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season, it certainly feels as if Leeds dodged a bullet with Pereira.
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