Leeds are set to stick with Michael Skubala for the foreseeable future as they continue to search for a permanent replacement for Jesse Marsch after being turned down by several candidates.
Leeds interim boss Michael Skubala will continue to lead the team while the search for a permanent replacement continues, the club has confirmed.
The Whites made the decision to sack Jesse Marsch less than a year after signing him following their loss at Nottingham Forest earlier this month. Skubala took charge of the struggling Premier League for his trip to Manchester United just three days later, when they earned a surprise 2-2 draw.
Skubala was back on the bench, assisted by Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas, for Sunday’s game, also against the Red Devils, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. Leeds have been relegated by several names on their list and have confirmed that they will stick with Skubala, at least for the short term.
A club statement said: “Leeds United can confirm that Michael Skubala will continue to lead the men’s first team for the club’s upcoming matches. Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas will continue to support Michael, along with the backroom team already in place. Skubala, Gallardo y Armas has overseen two positive performances over the past week against Manchester United and will lead training ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park.
Skubala was appointed as Leeds U21 head coach in July but is now making the big decisions as Leeds desperately try to avoid relegation again. They are currently just above the bottom three ahead of games against Everton and Southampton, who are also struggling to overcome the drop.
Skubala said of the recent news: “I really enjoyed the experience and the team and staff responded well. I know that I speak for Paco and Chris when I say that it is an honor to be in the band of this club. We will continue to work tirelessly to help move up the table in the short term, while the board focuses on the long-term future of the team.”
Leeds had identified Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola as their main target. He does not have a contract this summer but he currently stands out in LaLiga. However, the Spanish side has refused to allow the Yorkshire side to speak to him.
West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, who previously worked with Marcelo Bielsa, was quick to dismiss having had an impressive performance since joining the Hawthorns. He has since signed a new contract, while Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is no longer being considered.
Alfred Schreuder was sacked by Ajax earlier in this term and was at Elland Road at the weekend to discuss the possibility of taking the vacancy, but that is no longer on the cards. Steven Gerrard is now among those reportedly being considered by the Leeds hierarchy.