Michael Skubala has opened up about a whirlwind 24 hours as he prepares for a mammoth trip to Manchester United. The 40-year-old was only appointed as under-21 coach last summer but has been thrown into the limelight following Jesse Marsch’s sacking.
Elland Road chiefs have placed their temporary trust in the former futsal manager until the club find a replacement. It does not get much harder for Skubala as Leeds United face two tricky tests against the Red Devils.
Speaking to the media before the Old Trafford clash, the interim coach revealed Whites bosses approached him soon after Marsch was given the boot. Skubala said: “Yesterday, Victor (Orta), Angus (Kinnear) and the board came up to Elland Road to meet Jesse and obviously you know what has gone on.
READ NEXT: Jesse Marsch sacked LIVE - Leeds United search for new head coach begins with Andoni Iraola linked
“It was a discussion that had to take place but, after that, they pulled me and a few other staff members in to discuss how we get through this interim period in the short term with Manchester United away. We had meetings (and) we put a plan together that we thought, collectively, was the best thing to do moving forward at the moment."
The unproven manager was keen to stress how the burden will not solely be placed on his shoulders. While backroom staff Rene Maric, Cameron Toshack and Pierre Barrieu were also dismissed, development coach Paco Gallardo and new boy Chris Armas - who only arrived last month - will also be in the dugout.
“It’s a collective approach,” Skubala added. “We've picked the team together. I think any staff team in the modern game picks a team together. I'm here during the press, but we're all behind the scenes working really hard to put a team that we think is competitive on the pitch to have a good go at Manchester United.”
READ NEXT:
Jesse Marsch sacked - LIVE updates and reaction as search for new boss begins
Leeds United next manager odds after Jesse Marsch sacked as former Whites coach clear favourite
Graeme Souness suggests Leeds United's malaise lies at Jesse Marsch's door
Ayling's ballboy grab, Bamford's classy gesture, Roca's unlikely role in Leeds United moments missed
Patrick Bamford opens up on Jesse Marsch's message after Leeds United lose at Nottingham Forest
