According to Onda Cero, Andoni Iraola has rejected the chance to become the new manager of Leeds United at this point.
The Spaniard had reportedly been identified as the Whites’ top candidate to replace Jesse Marsch, but the 40-year-old is not keen on such a move at this moment in time.
This report states that Iraola believes that if he were to leave Rayo Vallecano at this point he would be leaving the team stranded, and he doesn’t want to do that with an exciting second half of the season on the horizon.
To be fair, we can absolutely understand where Iraola is coming from if this is his stance.
Yes, Leeds are a much bigger club than Rayo Vallecano, but Iraola’s side are currently fifth in La Liga, four points off a Champions League spot.
Why would Iraola leave a club where he is on the verge of making history to go and take on a relegation battle in the Premier League?
Yes, money has to be considered, but let’s be honest, if Iraola gets Vallecano into the Champions League, bigger and better-paid jobs than the role at Leeds United will be on the horizon.
Being a successful manager is about picking your moves wisely. Swapping a fifth-place team in Spain for a relegation-threatened team in England halfway through a season isn’t a wise move when you’re looking to grow your stock within the game.
Iraola is clearly appreciated by the Leeds board – he held talks with Victor Orta earlier this week, but, right now, his focus is on Vallecano, and he’s absolutely right to be prioritising his current role as his side are on the verge of doing something truly special.
Iraola may not be going to Leeds this time around, but he’s certainly a manager to keep an eye on.
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