Rayo Vallecano sports director David Cobeño has admitted there are clubs chasing manager Andoni Iraola amid claims West Ham United are looking at him.
He’s been speaking to Sport about the Spanish side’s season so far and their manager Iraola, who has been earning admiring glances for the work he’s been doing.
The Spanish coach was targeted by Leeds United earlier this year when they were seeking a replacement for Jesse Marsch, although a move to Elland Road never happened as Iraola decided to stay in La Liga.
That’s not stopped the rumours since then, with a claim in Spain today stating that West Ham have added him to their list of options in the summer.
It’s believed that they’re gearing up to part ways with David Moyes after a disappointing league campaign, although a potential Europa Conference League win could change that.
Either way, a list is seemingly being drawn up at the London Stadium if West Ham do decide to make a change and Iraola is on it.
That’s something Cobeño is more than aware of, praising his manager today and admitting there are sharks in the water.
“He is a coach with whom you can talk and agree on decisions,” he said.
“He is not strict in his ideas, and it is easy to work with him on a day-to-day basis. When there is harmony between the coaching staff, sports management, presidency and team, everything is much easier.
“This is a value that we take into account. On a sporting level, he adapts very well to modern football, to touch football, with a lot of intensity and fast transitions.
“The truth is that I am always optimistic (of him staying). In difficult times, too. Now he is doing very well and some teams with more names than ours are looking out for him, but he is comfortable here.
“The comfort of working here is very important to him, hopefully we can continue another year with him and his coaching staff.”
