Leeds United could now appoint Rafa Benitez as their next manager. The Elland Road team are looking for a replacement for Jesse Marsch after the American was sacked on Monday.
That is according to The Guardian, which reports that Benitez has friends among the Leeds boardroom. But a move for the West Yorkshire outfit to appoint the Spaniard is unlikely at present. Whites sporting director Victor Orta may not agree he will be the right tactical fit.
Leeds are looking for their next manager after sacking Marsch following a 1-0 defeat away at Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The result left the team 17th in the Premier League table on 18 points in 20 games. They are only outside of the relegation zone via goal difference.
Elland Road chiefs felt Marsch’s position was now untenable as they strive to avoid falling back into the Championship. The 49-year-old had overseen a joint-division low four wins this term, while scoring 26 goals to 34 conceded. They are just three points ahead of 20th.
Orta fought long and hard to buy Marsch more time to try and turn the ship around having picked the American as Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement last February. But other directors felt a change was needed and advocated so to safeguard any full takeover by 49er Enterprises.
Orta may block Leeds from naming Benitez as their next manager after Marsch
Leeds now have multiple replacements for the sacked Marsch in mind with Benitez among the candidates as their next manager. But the ex-Liverpool, Newcastle United and Everton coach’s defensive style is likely to clash with the vision Orta has for the Elland Road outfit.
Benitez remains out of work following his sacking by Everton last January following just six-and-half-months in charge. The Goodison Park natives sought a change to avoid relegation from the Premier League. They won five and lost 10 of their 19 top-flight fixtures with him.
Everton further won just one of their final 13 league games under Benitez with a shock 2-1 result over Arsenal. The Blues also drew with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in that run. But they lost 5-2 to Watford, 4-1 to Liverpool and 2-1 at Norwich City.
The 62-year-old also endured relegation with Newcastle in 2015/16 after only taking over in March. But the Spaniard guided the Toon to the Championship title and a joint-best Premier League finish since ‘11/12 of 10th. He also won the ‘04/05 Champions League at Liverpool.
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