Andoni Iraola has refused to be drawn into questions surrounding his future amid reports linking him with the managerial vacancy at Leeds United.
Jesse Marsch was relieved of his duties by Leeds on Monday following a run of two wins from 17 league games, which has left the Whites above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Former Leeds assistant and under-23s head coach Carlos Corberan has emerged as an early candidate following his impressive form at West Brom since taking over in October.
Another name which is reportedly high on the club's shortlist is Rayo Vallecano boss Iraola, with The Athletic claiming that Leeds are 'weighing up an approach' for the former Spain international.
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But when asked about whether he was aware of the reports linking him with the managerial hotseat at Elland Road, Iraola wasn't willing to give anything away.
“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 revealed after Rayo Vallecano's 2-0 win over Almeria on Monday [via Football Espana].
"If I didn’t have them, I wouldn’t be achieving anything. I could also use that when we’re not getting the results (laughs), but I am clear about my role, they are the ones who are achieving this."
Iraola has spent the last two-and-a-half years at Rayo Vallecano, who are just three points shy of the top four in La Liga. The 40-year-old helped 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.
He also played under ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao, and is a former teammate of Jack Harrison from his stint with MLS outfit New York City.
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