Leeds manager news: Whites in talks to appoint Marcelo Bielsa disciple

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Leeds United are reportedly in talks to appoint West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan as Jesse Marsch’s replacement, with the Spaniard a coach who learnt under Marcelo Bielsa.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 39-year-old is one of the candidates Leeds are considering following Monday’s news that Marsch had been sacked by the club after a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, leaving the Whites 17th in the Premier League standings.

Romano said about Leeds’ pursuit for Corberan: “There were no problems with the players but the feeling is that Marsch was not able to change the situation. Carlos Corberan is one of the candidates, but not the only one, talks are ongoing to find a replacement.”

Regarded as one of the so-called ‘Bielsa Disciples’, Corberan was Leeds’ U-23 manager for three years before moving on to Huddersfield Town in 2020, where the young coach led the Terriers to the Championship play-off final in 2022 where the Yorkshire side were beaten by Nottingham Forest.

With Corberan now at West Brom, Leeds could face a significant financial battle to bring the Spaniard back to Elland Road. However, given the significance the Whites have played in the coach’s career, the former Olympiacos manager could be tempted with a move.

Indeed, whilst a mid-season move might not be best-suited for Corberan, or any other manager for that fact, the prospect of a Leeds return will be a tempting one of the up-and-coming coach. And given the foundations laid down by both Bielsa and Marsch, the West Brom boss could be perfect to take over this month.

Leeds appointing Corberan could be a risk worth taking

Hiring a manager who learnt under Bielsa seems like a sensible step in the right direction for Leeds, and in Corberan, the Whites could appoint one of the best candidates for the job despite the obvious risks that come with such a move.

As we know, Corberan has impressed in English football with Huddersfield and now West Brom, and whilst the Premier League is a completely different beast compared to the Championship, Leeds could be taking a controlled risk in appointing the Spaniard as Marsch’s replacement.