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George Bennett

From Iraola to Slot - How Leeds United's former managerial targets are faring right now

Leeds United ended their 13-day search for Jesse Marsch's replacement by unveiling Javi Gracia as the new manager on February 22.

The Leeds board faced a number of knockbacks in their attempts to appoint a new manager after Marsch was relieved of his duties following a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in early-February.

Gracia is now the man tasked with guiding Leeds to safety, and LeedsLive have taken a look at how the Whites' previous managerial targets are faring at the moment...

READ MORE: Ayling's Summerville anger, Gracia's telling Leeds United touchline call and moments missed

Andoni Iraola

Rayo Vallecano blocked Leeds' approach for Iraola, after the former Athletic Bilbao defender emerged as one of the early favourites alongside Corberan.

Iraola had masterminded Rayo's rise from the second-tier, and saw his side sitting in fifth place in La Liga when Leeds came knocking.

However, back-to-back draws against Getafe and Sevilla respectively, followed by a 1-0 defeat at La Liga strugglers Cadiz last time out has seen them drop out of the top six in La Liga.

Philippe Clement

Monaco were flying high when Philippe Clement turned down Leeds. His side had just put together a nine-match unbeaten streak in Ligue 1, which included a 7-1 victory over Ajaccio and a 3-1 triumph over leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

The Monegasques climbed into third as a result of their hot streak, but a 3-0 defeat against OGC Nice, followed by a 2-2 draw at relegation strugglers Troyes has seen them drop out of the Champions League places.

They also suffered elimination from the Europa League in cruel fashion after a scintillating tie against Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

Monaco came from behind to defeat Bayer 3-2 at the BayArena, with Axel Disasi's low drive in the 92nd minute sending the away section into joyous celebration.

However, Bayer prevailed 3-2 in the second leg, and with neither side finding a winner in extra-time, Monaco lost 5-3 in the penalty shoot-out at the Stade Louis II.

Carlos Corberan

The reports that Carlos Corberan would be returning to Elland Road were quickly quelled when the Spaniard penned a new long-term deal at West Brom last month.

Corberan, who previously worked as Leeds assistant and under-23s head coach, has worked wonders at the Hawthorns since taking over in October.

West Brom had collected just two victories from their opening 17 league games, which included a 2-0 defeat against Sheffield United on Corberan's debut in the dugout.

However, the Baggies recorded nine wins from their next 10 to climb from the foot of the Championship and into the play-offs.

Corberan has suffered his first blip at the helm with three defeats in their last six slowing down their momentum somewhat. But a statement 2-0 victory over fellow promotion chasers Middlesbrough on Saturday have propelled them back into contention.

Arne Slot

Arne Slot emerged as the bookmakers' favourite after Leeds received knockbacks in their attempts to appoint initial frontrunners Carlos Corberan and Andoni Iraola.

However, the Feyenoord boss soon announced his desire to stay in Rotterdam, and he had very good reason to do so with Feyenoord targeting their first Eredivisie title since 2017.

Feyenoord have gone 17 games unbeaten in the Eredivisie, and have lost just once in the league all season. The Club on the Meuse opened up a five-point lead at the Eredivisie summit after registering a fourth win on the spin with a 1-0 triumph over Groningen on Saturday.

Slot will also be looking to win a potential treble with Feyenoord booking their place in both the KNVB Cup semi-finals, and UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

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