Rayo Vallecano has blocked a move for manager Andoni Iraola by Leeds to fill the void left by Jesse Marsch. After Jesse Marsch was fired for managing the Spanish team to fifth place in La Liga, Iraola was a front-runner to take over at Elland Road. Andoni Iraola is open to a move to Leeds and the Premier League, therefore Leeds has been keeping an eye on him for some time. He played with Athletic Bilbao for the majority of his playing career while playing for former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. He also played for MLS team New York City alongside Leeds winger Jack Harrison. As interim managers for Leeds until a replacement for Marsch is found, Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo, and Chris Armas oversaw their 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Wednesday.
“Hopefully white smoke by tonight or tomorrow morning,” Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani hinted at an appointment.
Leeds is also in communication with the other applicants on their shortlist. The club initially believed that Arne Slot, the bookmakers’ favorite Feyenoord coach, wouldn’t be available, so he wasn’t on their list. However, they may now investigate to see if he would be a possibility. Carlos Corberan, the head coach of West Brom, was one of the first candidates mentioned for the position after working with Bielsa at Elland Road. Although he has supporters in Leeds, he was not among the candidates to succeed Marsch since he signed a new contract at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night.
After Bielsa was fired a year ago, Leeds considered hiring the Spanish legend Raul, although it is believed that he is unlikely to leave his position as manager of Real Madrid’s reserve squad.
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