Granada are determined to keep hold of Diego Martinez amid reports claiming the much-admired manager could replace Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, chief executive Patricia Rodriguez has told Movistar, via SportsFinding.
Has the 40-year-old Spaniard taken Granada as far as he can?
Even the most rose-tinted Nazaries supporter would have laughed you out of town if you’d told them they would be taking on Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals three years after Martinez was appointed in June 2018.
One of the sharpest young coaches in Europe has taken Granada from the second tier of Spanish football to a last-eight clash at Old Trafford in the blink of an eye.
And, with his contract up in the summer, Onda Cero is reporting Martinez is starting to attract plenty of interest from other clubs.
Valencia, who sacked Javi Gracia this week, are sniffing around.
Leeds United, meanwhile, could turn to Martinez if they fail to tie the living legend that is Marcelo Bielsa down to a new deal at Elland Road.
“We will work hard to keep you with us,” Rodriguez said, addressing the rumours surrounding Martinez’s future.
“Diego wants to wait until the end of the season and we will see what steps are taken.
“From the club, the objective is to continue counting on him. (We want him to) renew and stay with us for another year to complete this fantastic project he is carrying out.”
Interestingly, Leeds director of football Victor Orta knows Martinez well, having worked with his fellow Spaniard during their formative years at Sevilla.
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