Leeds United are eyeing manager Pedro Martins, the man who catapulted Raphinha to stardom during their time together in Portugal.
The Whites sacked Jesse Marsch two weeks ago today and still haven’t managed to find a replacement.
It’s easier to name the candidates out of the race than those still in it.
Carlos Corberan, Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot have all ruled themselves out whilst Marcelo Gallardo doesn’t appear to be keen.
Michael Skubala remains in charge but defeat to Everton means Leeds are in the bottom three and in real danger of going down.
Leeds need to find a managerial solution quickly and one of the names being linked with the job is Pedro Martins.
Leeds United could appoint Raphinha’s former manager in Pedro Martins
Martins is a somewhat surprise name in the mix for the Leeds job.
The Times reported last week that Leeds have spoken to Al-Gharafa boss Martinez about a move to Elland Road.
Portuguese outlet Zero Zero added that Martins had received an approach from Leeds and more talks were expected.
Martins isn’t a big name but did win three league titles in his four years as Olympiacos boss.
Before the move to Greece, Martins managed Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal – and put former Leeds United star Raphinha on the map.
Months before Martins became Vitoria boss, Raphinha had joined their B team from Avai in Brazil.
Martins promoted Raphinha to first-team action and the decision worked wonders.
Raphinha bagged four goals and seven assists in his first season under Martins before exploding in the second season, racking up 16 goals and five assists.
That earned Raphinha his move to Sporting, before moving on to Rennes, Leeds and now Barcelona.
No manager has coached Raphinha in more games than Martins with 73, and the Brazilian owes a lot to faith Martins showed in him at Vitoria.
If Leeds wanted a reference on Martins, former star Raphinha would surely provide it – and Leeds may fancy Martins to do a similar job with the current exciting wingers at Elland Road.
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