Rayo Vallecano’s sporting director is confident of retaining much-coveted manager Andoni Iraola despite interest from Premier League duo Leeds United and West Ham.
This is already the most prolific top-flight campaign ever in terms of managerial sackings. No further than 14 coaches – permanent or interim – have been handed their P45s over the last nine months or so.
Ryan Mason will become the third man to stand upon the touchline at Tottenham Hotspur. Ditto Ruben Selles at Southampton, and Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.
Further changes could still be forthcoming. Javi Gracia’s short-term contract at Elland Road ends in a matter of weeks. And another poor performance at home to Leicester City on Tuesday night will not have helped his chances of an extension.
West Ham, The Guardian say, are increasingly learning towards a fresh start themselves. That is despite a recent – and rather dramatic – upturn in form under David Moyes.
According to Cadena Ser, West Ham are admirers Iraola, as well as Paulo Fonseca and Arne Slot.
The Hammers are likely to face competition from Leeds. The Yorkshire giants were reportedly willing to trigger Iraola’s £7 million release clause after sacking Jesse Marsch in February, accepting defeat after the 40-year-old made it clear that was committed to Rayo until the summer.
Will Andoni Iraola take over at West Ham United or Leeds?
“Time proved us right (keeping faith in Iraola),” Rayo director David Cobeno tells Sport. “We were promoted to First Division, we had a spectacular season and all the good work we have been doing since Andoni has been with us is reaffirming.
“He is a coach with whom you can talk and agree on decisions. He is not strict in his ideas, and it is easy to work with him on a day-to-day basis.
“On a sporting level, he adapts very well to modern football, to passing football, with a lot of intensity and fast transitions.”
Iraola is a disciple of Marcelo Bielsa; the legendary former Leeds boss. His ‘incredible brand of football’, and his ability to transform frogs into princes, has Rayo tenth in the table and not yet out of contention for a European spot.
Cobeno, meanwhile, is confident that Iraola will be leading the team out in Vallecas again in 2023/24.
“Yes, the truth is that I am always optimistic,” Cobeno adds. “He is doing very well. Some teams with bigger names than ours are looking out for him, but he is comfortable here.
“The comfort of working here is very important to him. Hopefully, we can continue another year with him and his coaching staff.”
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