Here are your latest Leeds United evening headlines for Tuesday, February 7.
Ange Postecoglou tipped to continue 'special' Celtic project amid Leeds United links
Stiliyan Petrov does not expect Ange Postecoglou leave for the Premier League and join Leeds because he is 'building something special' at Celtic.
The Australian has been mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Jesse Marsch, who was relieved of his duties by Leeds on Monday. Ex-Leeds assistant and under-23 coach and current West Brom boss Carlos Corberan is the bookies' leading favourite, while Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola has seen his odds slashed from 20/1 to 2/1.
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Postecoglou guided Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish League Cup triumph last season, and also led the Bhoys into the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in five years this term.
Celtic are challenging for a domestic treble during the business end of the season, and ex-Celtic midfielder Petrov believes interest from elsewhere only showcases the job that Postecoglou has done at the club.
“I’m not surprised that Leeds are interested in Ange, and I’m sure the supporters and the club are not surprised either. He has done an incredible job, not just the free-flowing football and his style of play, it’s his recruitment as well that has been really, really good," Petrov told Grosvenor Sport.
"The biggest challenge for Celtic will be to keep the manager. Everything is clicking now and players believe in everything he does – his messages, his style of play – and the fans love it. Of course, it’s part of the game. When you are good you are going to attract attention.
"I don’t think he would go if Leeds approached him. He has shown in his previous jobs it’s about the project. If he feels that what Leeds are offering is right, the support is there and he can make the difference, then perhaps he would take it.
"But I believe that he is building something special at Celtic and I think he is enjoying the moment and wants to do more with this team, not just this season but next season in the Champions League."
Leeds United head coach interviews underway with leading candidates linked by common trend
Speed remains of the essence for Leeds United in their pursuit of a new head coach with interviews well underway. While Michael Skubala, Chris Armas and Paco Gallardo will take charge of Wednesday’s clash with Manchester United, the ambition remains to have Jesse Marsch’s permanent successor in place for Sunday’s rematch.
Chief executive Angus Kinnear and director of football Victor Orta were at Thorp Arch on Tuesday morning after interviews with their leading candidates began on Monday night. More talks with further candidates are expected throughout Tuesday as Leeds look to move quickly.
However, the complicating factor linking all of the club’s desired targets is their employment status. Each of them is currently in work and any move to Elland Road would of course involve an agreement being reached with their current clubs.
‘Had to take place’ - Michael Skubala on hectic 24 hours at Leeds United after Jesse Marsch sacking
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.
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