Football

Carlos Corberán favourite for the Leeds job

February 7, 2023 12:40 pm
Carlos Corberán favourite for the Leeds job

West Bromwich Albion manager, Carlos Corberán, is the favourite to become the next Leeds United boss. The Yorkshire sacked Jesse Marsch yesterday after a dismal run of form left them outside the relegation zone only on goal difference. 

The search for the new manager is underway straight away although Marsch’s assistant, Chris Armas, is set to take control of the side for the game against Manchester United tomorrow night alongside other members of the backroom staff. 

For many, the sacking of Marsch has been a long time coming. The Whites are yet to win a Premier League game since football resumed after the World Cup, with their last victory coming at home to Bournemouth back in November. Although the American managed to keep them up last season, it looked as if the club were destined to go down unless a change was made.

Although no new manager will be in the dugout for the game tomorrow, the club are looking for a swift resolution and will be hopeful that they can announce the new manager in time for the reverse fixture against Manchester United on Sunday. 

A few names in contention 

As soon as the parting of ways with Marsch was confirmed, a variety of names were instantly linked with the job. Most notably, former manager Marcelo Bielsa had been touted as a possible replacement although that seems unlikely. 

The Argentinian had been in talks about the Everton job after Frank Lampard was sacked last month, but ended up turning it down as he didn’t feel like that particular squad of players would be able to adapt to his style of football quickly. Considering many of the current Leeds players have already played under Bielsa, this wouldn’t be an issue should he be offered the job but the board are said to be looking forwards rather than back.

The current front-runner is Carlos Corberán who has done a fantastic job at West Brom since taking over from Steve Bruce earlier in the season. Corberan has led the baggies to the top six in the Championship but a move to the Premier League could tempt him away. 

The Spaniard was a coach under Bielsa when he was at Leeds and would bring a similar type of football back to Elland Road. 

The other name being widely tipped is Andoni Iraola. The 40-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting young coaches in the game and has Rayo Vallecano punching well above their weight in La Liga in season. 

The need for a quick start

It was a terrible weekend for Leeds United as they lost a huge game against Nottingham Forest in the relegation battle. Not only that but Wolves and Everton both produced surprise victories against Liverpool and Everton respectively which has seen Leeds’ position significantly worsen. 

Whoever they end up appointing as manager will know that they need to start picking up points from the word go if they are to stay in England’s top flight for another season. After the double-header with Manchester United, they travel to Goodison Park to play Everton before welcoming Southampton to Elland Road in two massive fixtures.

Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!