Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola is now the most attainable of Leeds United’s targets to become their next manager. The Whites will now test his loyalty to replace Jesse Marsch.
That is according to Dean Jones, who reports that Leeds feel they must now test how loyal Iraola is to Rayo Vallecano. Elland Road chiefs are determined to have a new coach in place before hosting Manchester United this Sunday. They want it to mark the start of a new era.
Leeds have considered an array of potential candidates to replace Marsch after sacking the American on Monday. The West Yorkshire outfit fired the 49-year-old after less than a year in charge. He took over on February 28, 2022 but the team sits 17th in the Premier League.
Now, Leeds are pushing ahead with plans to name Iraola as their next manager as the Rayo Vallecano boss is the most attainable of their targets. Elland Road chiefs appreciate the 40-year-old as he has Los Franjirrojos ranking fifth in La Liga and three points off the top four.
The Spaniard also guided the Estadio de Vallecas outfit to promotion in 2020/21 during his debut season in charge. Rayo Vallecano ended the 2021/22 campaign in 12th place with 11 wins and nine draws. They already have nine wins and five draws after 20 games this term.
Orta is in Spain to convince Iraola to become the next Leeds manager
Leeds director of football Victor Orta has already travelled to Spain to convince Iraola to be the team’s next manager after two-and-a-half seasons with Rayo Vallecano. The Daily Mail reports the Whites chief flew out to Madrid on Tuesday night to hold talks with the coach.
Orta also identified Iraola as a target to replace Marsch and advanced Leeds’ hopes of him being their next manager. The Whites moved for the boss from Usurbil, who La Liga expert Phil Kitromilides believes is an ‘excellent candidate’, having missed out on Carlos Corberan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
