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Leeds: Phil Hay reveals Andoni Iraola interest

Leeds: Phil Hay reveals Andoni Iraola interest - Leeds United News

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has revealed that Elland Road officials ‘admire’ Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola.

The Lowdown: Iraola profiled

Iraola began his managerial career at AEK Larnaca back in 2018 and has also been in charge of CD Mirandes before taking over at Rayo Vallecano in 2020.

The 40-year-old likes to play a 4-2-3-1 system and has averaged 1.53 points per game with Los Vallecanos in 118 matches. Iraola actually ended his playing career at New York City as a team-mate of Jack Harrison, with the Spaniard making 21 appearances alongside the Leeds star, and it now seems as if he is of interest to potentially take over from Jesse Marsch, who was sacked on Monday.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Hay took to Twitter on Monday evening, stating that Iraola is ‘one of the coaches Leeds United particularly admire’ as he shared a corresponding article from The Athletic.

The reliable reporter said that the 40-year-old ‘has built a very good team’ at Rayo Vallecano and is on Leeds’ radar as a result.

Who do you want to replace Marsch?

Corberan

Corberan

Postecoglou

Postecoglou

Iraola

Iraola

Bielsa

Bielsa

Other

Other

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Iraola has led Rayo Vallecano to fifth place in La Liga this season after 20 games, drawing with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and defeating Real Madrid.

All Leeds TV presenter Oscar Marrio believes that the Spaniard has a similar philosophy to another reported Whites managerial target in Carlos Corberan – ‘high pressing, possession based football with a heavy emphasis on maintaining width’.

Therefore, a Leeds swoop for Iraola by owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe, the president of investors 49ers Enterprises – who appear to have the decisive say when it comes to managerial decisions – could prove to be a shrewd one. However, his lack of Premier League experience may also make it a risk, with the club once again involved in a relegation battle.

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