One of the biggest problems facing Leeds United in their pursuit of a new coach is that, for their most part, their leading managerial targets appear to on the verge of something rather special in their current homes.
Andoni Iraola’s Rayo Vallecano are chasing Champions League qualification. Ange Postecoglou has Celtic closing in on another title. Feyenoord, meanwhile, are top of the Eredivisie under Arne Slot.
And while The Athletic believe that Nuno Espirito Santo may be tempted by another stab at the Premier League – the former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur boss ‘under discussion’ at Elland Road – will the prospect of silverware have him taking a leaf out of Slot’s book?
Leeds United need a new manager with Nuno Espirito Santo a target
“It was a difficult match against a good and strong team. We worked well and achieved the most important thing,” Nuno smiled after Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Ettifaq 3-0 away from home on Thursday; moving to the top of the Saudi Pro League (Kooora).
“We started the match strongly, andwWe were able to disrupt Al-Ettifaq’s attack in the first-half. After which we scored a goal.
“We needed to build at the beginning of the season. And, with the progress in the matches, we have improved offensively.
“The players worked hard and played a great match. I thank them, and we will continue our way in the same way.”
Do exactly that, meanwhile, and Al-Ittihad will soon be celebrating their first league title since 2009. Nuno’s formidable side are on a run of seven consecutive wins in all competitions. One of those a 2-0 Super Cup final victory over Al-Fayha. Nuno’s first ever cup triumph as a manager, at the third time of asking.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr can overtake Al-Ittihad again with a victory over their own on Friday. But after Slot and Iraola rebuffed Leeds’ advances in order to finish what they started, fears may be growing at Elland road that Nuno will be tempted to do the same.
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