Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola is on Leeds United's radar as a potential replacement for Jesse Marsch, according to reports.
The Athletic claim that Leeds are 'weighing up an approach' for Iraola following Marsch's dismissal on Monday afternoon.
A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest was the final blow for the American coach who had overseen a poor run of form at the club that left the Whites without a Premier League win since November. Despite the club backing Marsch with four new signings in the January window, the board have now decided that they need a new head coach to lead the team for the remainder of the season.
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Successive top-flight games against Manchester United in the space of just four days will add to the chaotic week for the club, with the backroom trio of Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas taking charge on Wednesday night against the Red Devils.
Iraola is believed to be tipped as a long-term replacement for Marsch and LeedsLive have put together a quick profile on the man who could well be taking charge at Elland Road in the near furture.
Who is Andoni Iraola?
Iraola, 40, has been in charge of Rayo Vallecano for two-and-a-half-years. His side currently sit eighth in La Liga, but they will move just three points shy of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid should they win their game in hand on Diego Simeone's men - a remarkable achievement given Vallecano were in the Spanish second division when Iraola took charge in 2020.
The Spaniard even led his team to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey in the 2021/22 season for the first time in 40 years.
Building a side around high-pressing and energetic football is something that fans grew accustomed to under Marcelo Bielsa during his time in charge and the former Athletic Bilbao defender likes to adopt a similar approach in Spain.
In fact, Iraola even played for the legendary Argentine during his time at Bilbao and has clearly absorbed the mantra from the former Leeds boss.
Iraola only hung up his boots in 2016 following a season with New York City, where he rubbed shoulders - quite literally - with Jack Harrison.
Speaking about his time in the MLS, he said: "I had Andrea Pirlo in front of me, Frank Lampard a few metres ahead, and David Villa as a striker. Quite something, right?
"Then there were some other players at different stages of their careers. Angelino, who has gone on to play at RB Leipzig, and also a very young Jack Harrison, who has thrived at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa – a coach, by the way, who I was lucky enough to work with at Athletic.
"And I say lucky because it was incredible to be with him."
Leeds fans can also expect a never-say-die attitude from Iraola should he join the club, something that will sit very well with supporters.
"Beyond the achievements and the chance to play among the best in the country, we [Vallecano] did not forget that hard work is the most important thing in what we do," he added regarding the attitude his side have in Spain. "That is the spirit that defines Rayo’s fans, and the players have also incorporated it."
It may well be hard work that sees Leeds survive in the Premier League come May, a concept that will be very familiar to supporters from their time watching Bielsa. Iraola already seems to have connections with the club, whether or not those go one step further is still yet to be seen.
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