14 February 2023 , 19:24
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Leeds caretaker boss Michael Skubala will continue to lead the team as a search for a permanent replacement continues, the club has confirmed.
The Whites took the decision to sack Jesse Marsch less than a year after hiring him following their defeat at Nottingham Forest earlier this month. Skubala took charge of the Premier League strugglers for their trip to Manchester United just three days later as they earned a surprise 2-2 draw.
Skubala was again in the dugout, assisted by Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas, for the game on Sunday, also against the Red Devils, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. Leeds have been knocked back by several names on their shortlist and have confirmed they will stick with Skubala, at least in the short term.
A club statement read: "Leeds United can confirm Michael Skubala will continue to lead the men’s first team for the club’s upcoming fixtures. Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas will carry on supporting Michael, alongside the backroom team already in place. Skubala, Gallardo and Armas have overseen two positive performances over the last week against Manchester United and will lead training ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park.
Skubala was appointed as head coach of Leeds U21s back in July but is now making the big calls as Leeds desperately try to avoid relegation again. They're currently just above the bottom three ahead of games against Everton and Southampton, who are also fighting to beat the drop.
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Skubala said on the recent news: “I have really enjoyed the experience and the team and staff have responded well. I know I speak for Paco and Chris when I say that it is an honour to be on the touchline at this club. We will continue work tirelessly to help to push on up the table in the short term, whilst the board focus on the long term future of the team.”
Leeds have drawn one and lose one since Jesse Marsch's sackingLeeds had identified Rayo Vallecano's Andoni Iraola as their prime target. He is out of contract this summer but currently excelling in LaLiga. The Spanish side have refused to let the Yorkshire side speak to him, however.
West Brom's Carlos Corberan, who previously worked under Marcelo Bielsa, was quick to rule himself out having performed impressively since arriving at the Hawthorns. He has since signed a new deal whilst Arne Slot of Feyenoord is also no longer being considered.
Alfred Schreuder was sacked by Ajax earlier this term and was at Elland Road at the weekend to discuss the possibility of taking the vacancy, but that is no longer on the cards. Steven Gerrard is now among those reportedly being considered by the Leeds hierarchy.