Rayo Vallecano chief explains why Andoni Iraola is not going to Leeds United

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Rayo Vallecano sporting director David Cobeno has admitted that Leeds United showed ‘interest’ in Andoni Iraola but remains hopeful that the Spaniard will not leave La Liga for the Premier League, speaking to AS.  

With that crucial six pointer at relegation rivals Everton now less than a week away, time is not exactly on Leeds’ side; the Yorkshire giants hoping to get a new manager in place before kick off at Goodison Park. 

Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that he will be staying at Feyenoord. The ink is still drying on Carlos Corberan’s West Brom contract. 

And Iraola, despite being tempted by the chance to follow in the footsteps of his old mentor Marcelo Bielsa, is not going to force his way out of Rayo with Champions League qualification still a very real possibility.  

Leeds United could miss out on Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola

“Don’t worry. We trust Andoni a lot,” Cobeno said when asked about Leeds’ approach for his 40-year-old head coach. “There is a close relationship. Communication is daily and fluid. Although there was interest, we knew that Iraola was going to stay with us.” 

Rayo are currently sixth in La Liga; Iraola building an outstanding team capable of playing an ‘incredible brand of football’ on a relative shoestring budget. His contract expires in the summer, though agreeing a new deal is, as Cobeno points out, a priority. 

“It is the main objective,” the director adds. “We are super happy with him and he with the club; the fans, the atmosphere.

“Let’s hope that this makes him stay for another season. We will have a difficult task because many teams will (target him) in summer.”

Leeds, per Marca, were willing to make Iraola the fourth-most expensive managerial appointment in Premier League history by triggering the £8 million release clause in his contract. But, with the former Spain international remaining loyal to the Rayo cause, Leeds could now turn to the out-of-work Alfred Schreuder following his admittedly-acrimoneous departure from Ajax.