Simon Jordan fears Andoni Iraola could be a classic case of more of the same for Leeds United, telling talkSPORT (8 February, 10am) that the Premier League outfit should prioritise a coach capable of bringing in a more controlled style.
Both the good and the bad of Leeds was on display during Wednesday’s thrilling, topsy-turvy 2-2 draw at Manchester United.
The energy and the aggression that epitomised the best of the Marcelo Bielsa era. Then, the suicidal, almost non-existent game-management which led to the Argentine’s sorry demise.
Leeds caught Erik ten Hag’s in-form hosts cold at the start of either half before conceding twice in the space of just eight minutes late on. By full-time, Leeds were counting their blessings that neither Bruno Fernandes nor Fred had brought their shooting boots with them to Old Trafford.
And, with their top-flight status very much on the line, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan feels Leeds should be wary of bringing in another coach with a PHD in ‘Bielsa-ball’
Will Leeds United hire Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola
“That’s precisely what they’ve had!,” Jordan says in response to claims that Andoni Iraola – a disciple of Bielsa – could replace Jesse Marsch at Elland Road (The Athletic).
“All of that doesn’t fill me with confidence. First of all, Bielsa was a lightning rod to get Leeds out of the Championship. But I also think, despite the hero worship, there was a distinct possibility he would have got them relegated.”
Iraola, a relative novice at the age of just 40, has Rayo Vallecano flying high in Spain’s top flight; fifth and just three points adrift of the Champions League spots.
La Liga expert Phil Kitromilides believes Iraola, who also played under Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao, would bring what he refers to as ‘organised chaos’ to West Yorkshire.
‘They need to structure this side’
“If they’ve got someone who brings ‘organised chaos’, then they don’t need any help with that. They’ve got that already,” Jordan adds. “That’s what has got them into the mess they’re in.
“Jesse Marsch provided ‘organised chaos’. They don’t need ‘organised chaos’. They need to structure this side, give it some balance and some shape. Some organisational thinking into how they are going to play, and stick to it.”
Iraola, in his defence, is successfully balancing his ‘incredible brand of football’ with a solid backline in Vallecas. Rayo have conceded just 22 in 20 La Liga matches so far; a statistic which should give Leeds hope that he can get the best out of a talented-if-inconsistent bunch at both ends.
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