Spanish coach Andoni Iraola is in the box seat for the Leeds job after compatriot Carlos Corberan opted to stay at West Brom.
Elland Road officials were keen on former Leeds Under-23 coach Corberan for the vacancy to replace sacked American coach Jesse Marsch. But Baggies boss Corberan signed a contract extension at The Hawthorns until 2027 on Tuesday night after getting frustrated with Leeds’ stance.
It has left Iraola, 40, leading the race after spending the last two-and-a-half years at Rayo Vallecano, who are fifth, just three points off the top four in La Liga.
He helped Rayo Vallecano achieve promotion to the top flight in 2021, before guiding them to the Copa del Rey semi-finals for the first time in 40 years last season. Iraola also played under ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao and is a former teammate of Jack Harrison from his stint with Major League Soccer outfit New York City.
“Football belongs to the footballers, we are not that important. The players make us look better and I am lucky to have players who are showing their level,” Iraola said when asked about his future after Rayo Vallecano's 2-0 win over Almeria on Monday. “If I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t be achieving anything. I am clear about my role, they are the ones who are achieving this.”
Reports on Tuesday night claimed that Leeds chief Andrea Radrizzani has jetted back to the UK to oversee the club's search for a new head coach. Under-21 coach Michael Skubala, along with development coach Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas, will take charge for Wednesday night's trip to Manchester United.
Along with Iraola, Corberan had quickly emerged as one of the frontrunners to succeed Marsch after Leeds dispensed with the services of their former head coach on Monday afternoon.
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Corberan has made a significant impact since he was appointed by West Brom back in October. The Baggies were in and around the Championship relegation zone but have propelled themselves into promotion contention under the guidance of their new boss, who has overseen 10 victories in his 13 league matches at the helm.
The 39-year-old has been rewarded for the fine work he has done since arriving at The Hawthorns with a new contract that will keep him at the club for the long-term.
Speaking after the deal was confirmed on Tuesday evening, Corberan said: “I believe that success can only be achieved when everyone works together and the way I have been made to feel welcome at this great club has made me confident that this is the right place for me.
“It is important to me that we do not let this moment distract us from our target, which is to ensure we improve every day, making the team more and more competitive for the challenges ahead.”
