“They called us from England” – Director on Leeds approach for manager, ‘clear and forceful’ response

There was a point when it seemed Andoni Iraola would become the next Leeds United manager, only for him to then decide he didn’t want to leave Rayo Vallecano midway through a season.

Then the Whites targeted Arne Slot, with the Dutchman himself confirming there had been contact, but Feyenoord had said no, and he was fine with that.

There was also Marcelo Gallardo, who reportedly turned the job down, and then Alfred Schreuder, who looked set to get it, evening travelling to see Leeds’ game against Manchester United, but that didn’t pan out either.

Now, we have Rayo Vallecano sports director David Cobeño commenting on the situation surrounding Iraola, and the fact Leeds tried to lure him him away.

Speaking to Radio Marca, he said: “We can rest easy. At the club, there were zero doubts about Antoni’s continuity. He’s a person of his word. He has an objective set with Rayo that is avoiding relegation and until that is achieved, he will not go anywhere.

“They called us from England, we listened, but we were firm in our position. Our response was clear and forceful and there was no debate. Andoni has a clause, and from there I can’t tell you more.”

Leeds have now had to play two games without a manager since deciding to part ways with Jesse Marsch, with both coming against Manchester United.

The first one ended in a 2-2 draw, but the latest, taking place at Elland Road, saw the Red Devils win 2-0 with two late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.