Andoni Iraola, Leeds, Whites, Elland Road, Premier League
Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola has turned down a move to Leeds United, according to journalist Raul Granado.
The Lowdown: Iraola speculation
Iraola emerged on the Elland Road radar earlier in the week, with Fabrizio Romano then claiming that the Spaniard had been the ‘favourite candidate’ to replace Jesse Marsch.
Reports even suggested that sporting director Victor Orta travelled to Spain to hold talks with the La Liga club over a potential deal for the 40-year-old, but it doesn’t look as if the Rayo Vallecano boss is keen on a move to Yorkshire at this moment in time.
The Latest: Leeds snubbed by Iraola
Granado took to Twitter on Wednesday evening, shortly before Leeds’ 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
He claimed that ‘Iraola says no to the offer from Leeds and stays at Rayo Vallecano to fulfil his contract’.
The Verdict: Not the first refusal…
Iraola isn’t the first managerial candidate to turn down Leeds’ advances, with two other Spanish coaches rejecting the Elland Road vacancy. Raul and Carlos Corberan have also snubbed the Whites in recent days, so it looks as if Orta is getting desperate in the club’s search for a new manager.
Iraola could have been a smart option, having played under Leeds idol Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao and led Rayo Vallecano to fifth in La Liga this season, mainly playing a 4-2-3-1 system.
Where Leeds go from here remains to be seen, but the longer their search goes on, the more likely it could be that Michael Skubala, Chris Armas and Paco Gallardo remain in temporary charge for the return fixture against Manchester United this weekend.
About the Author
