Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt after Jesse Marsch’s sacking

The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and are searching for his replacement

Mark Walker
Wednesday 08 February 2023 09:43 EST
Comments
Leeds: Michael Skubala addresses Jesse Marsch sacking ahead of Man Utd game

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani says the club needs more time in their hunt for a new manager.

The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and Radrizzani has since been replying to messages posted to him on Twitter by Leeds fans asking whether they were closing in on a replacement.

The Italian had hinted on Tuesday night that an announcement by Leeds was imminent, saying: “We are on it. Hopefully white smoke by tonight or (tomorrow) morning.”

But when quizzed by fans again at lunchtime on Wednesday, Radrizzani replied: “Not yet… need more time. Let’s support the lads now. Keep you posted – Andrea Radrizzani.”

Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot emerged as favourites for the job after another reported target, Carlos Corberan, signed a new contract with West Brom on Tuesday night.

Slot has guided Feyenoord to the top of the Eredivisie, but there have been reports that he was not on Leeds’ initial shortlist.

Iraola, 40, has steered Vallecano to fifth place in LaLiga following a 12th-placed finish last season, a year after winning promotion, and they also reached the Copa Del Rey semi-finals.

It has been reported that Leeds director of football Victor Orta flew to Madrid on Tuesday for talks with Iraola, whose contract expires in June, and his club, who will demand sizeable compensation.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglu also features high on the bookmakers’ list alongside the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen.

Leeds play Manchester United twice in the space of five days, with the first of those Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

The Whites hope to announce a new head coach in time for Sunday’s return fixture against United at Elland Road on Sunday,

Leeds’ Under-21s boss Michael Skubala will take temporary charge for Wednesday night’s game as his side bid for their first league win since November 5.

Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest left them in 17th place, above the bottom three on goal difference, and Marsch was axed after 11 months in the job having won only four of his 20 league games in charge this season.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in