Leeds United chief Victor Orta has explained why Chelsea didn’t consider his name for the director of football job at Stamford Bridge.
Three days ago, the west London club announced they have appointed Christopher Vivell as their new technical director.
Earlier in the season, reports in the English press had stated Chelsea were looking to take Orta away from Leeds United.
AS on Saturday have published an interview with the Whites sporting director, where Orta was quizzed whether he was close to joining Chelsea.
Responding to that, he said: “No, everything I found out, I found out from the press. I was and am very happy at Leeds and that’s why they wouldn’t even consider my name, because it came to them that I was not going to leave the club in any way.”
After discussing Spain’s disappointing World Cup campaign, the Leeds United director was asked about the tournament in Qatar.
“It has been a World Cup where it has been shown that football is getting closer based on the rival’s preparation, on physical preparation… we could discuss quality. It has been the best modern final, by far, it has once again hooked a generation with which everyone had doubts,” Orta explained.
He then talked about the players that impressed him at the World Cup. This includes PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands star, Cody Gakpo, who was wanted by Leeds in the last transfer window.
“We must talk about Ounahi, who has been one of the revelation players. At times I think there have also been very good ways to confirm Cody Gakpo. Enzo Fernández has already climbed a step. Julián Álvarez has put up a pike to say: can I be a substitute for a top 10 team, or can I be a starter? I think most think the latter,” the Whites chief added.
Apart from Gakpo, Leeds United had also looked at Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who moved to Napoli in the summer.
AS pressed Orta on ‘how close’ his side were to signing the duo.
“We have a lot of information from many players. In the end some, due to price and our limitations, escape us. That is why we have to act as quickly as possible,” Orta stressed.
