Michael Skubala has laughed off suggestions he could ring Gareth Southgate for help as Leeds United's caretaker manager. A 12-year career at the Football Association saw the temporary Whites boss brush shoulders with some of football’s most influential figures.
Coaching the England futsal team to their highest world ranking in two decades is what Skubala is renowned for, but he also briefly served as assistant manager for the under-18 setup. This gave him a direct line to Three Lions boss Southgate, who has been at the helm since 2016.
Steadying the ship at Elland Road in the aftermath of Jesse Marsch’s sacking is arguably Skubala’s sternest test to date. Assisting him in the dugout for two back-to-back games against Manchester United will be development coach Paco Gallardo and new boy Chris Armas.
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When asked by reporters if help will extend beyond the interim setup, Skubala said: “I worked with Southgate, yeah. I've had loads of good messages from lots of friends that said ‘if you want some advice in this situation, I'm happy about that.’
“Along my journey of the last 25 years in coaching, I've made some good allies and good friends along the way. I’ve got lots of support around me. I don't think I'll ring Gareth, he's busy enough!”
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