Mark Schwarzer says Carlos Corberan signing a new contract with West Brom will be a ‘blow’ for Leeds United and Andrea Radrizzani’s hopes of appointing the Spaniard as manager, as he told Sky Sports News (08/02/23).
The former Premier League goalkeeper added that ‘Leeds fans will be disappointed’ because it seems as though Corberan was the ‘first choice’ to replace the recently-sacked Jesse Marsch at Elland Road.
The Whites are hovering above the Premier League’s relegation zone going into their double-header with Manchester United this week, starting on Wednesday night at Old Trafford.
Those in the Leeds boardroom didn’t waste any time when they were beaten at Nottingham Forest over the weekend because, after two wins from 17, Marsch was out of the door.
The obvious names were thrown on the table as possible replacements. A return for Marcelo Bielsa? Or even, the man he taught in Corberan, who is doing wonders at the rejuvenated West Brom.
Well, with the former Leeds assistant penning his stay at the Hawthorns, it was a clear sign from the Midlands club that they don’t want to lose their man.
“By all accounts, if you listen and read the media speculation, he was the number one target,” said Schwarzer. “How correct that is with Leeds United itself, we will probably never know.
“I think it is a bit of a blow for them. Leeds United fans will be disappointed. I think it’s fair play for him to decide to stay at West Brom and continue the job and the good job he has done so far.
“I suppose it’s a little refreshing as well when you see managers sticking to their clubs and their initial decisions. Giving it a proper go to see how things unfold.”
WHAT NEXT FOR LEEDS UNITED?
Well, Leeds’ chairman Radrizzani did inform fans of an update on their manager hunt last night by stating ‘hopefully white smoke by tonight or tomorrow morning’.
Either way, whatever happens, it seems as though the new man in the dugout should be available for Man United’s visit to Yorkshire on Sunday.
From Marsch and Bielsa, it seems as though the next man that could take the reigns at Leeds is the thriving Rayo Vallecano coach, Andoni Iraola, who has the Spanish club sitting fifth in La Liga.
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