Bielsa, Corberan or Pochettino – who can replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds? - Independent 6/2/23
The Yorkshire club has launched the search for a 13th head coach in a decade
Leeds are looking for their 13th head coach in less than 10
years following the departure of Jesse Marsch.
The American made his exit after 12 months at the helm with
the club sitting 17th in the Premier League, clear of the relegation zone only
by virtue of goal difference and gearing up for a survival fight.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the
candidates who may be considered to fill the vacancy at Elland Road.
Steven Gerrard
Out of work since he was sacked by Aston Villa in October
last year, 42-year-old former Liverpool and England midfielder Gerrard enjoyed
a promising start to his managerial career as he led Rangers to a first
Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2021.
He was relieved of his duties at Villa Park with the club
hovering anxiously just above the bottom three and was recently linked with the
Poland job.
Marcelo Bielsa
For many Leeds fans, the return of 67-year-old Bielsa, who
was strongly linked with the Everton job before Sean Dyche, would be the dream
appointment.
The Argentinian masterminded the Yorkshire club’s return to
the top flight in 2020 and thrilling first season back among the big boys, when
they finished ninth.
However, as injuries and defensive fragility took their
toll, his brand of attacking football stopped yielding results and the
hierarchy intervened in an ultimately successful bid to stave off relegation.
Carlos Corberan
Bielsa acolyte Corberan was part of the South American’s
staff at Elland Road and has previously been touted as a potential candidate
for the top job.
However, he may prove difficult to prise from the grasp of
West Brom.
The Baggies have gone from strength to strength since the
39-year-old Spaniard, who headed for the Hawthorns after two years in charge at
Huddersfield, replaced Steve Bruce at the helm in October last year.
Mauricio Pochettino
Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is another big name out of
work following his exit from Paris St Germain in July last year.
Given the 50-year-old Argentinian’s pedigree, his name tends
to be associated with the biggest jobs when they are up for grabs.
But he knows the Premier League and, having guided Spurs to
a second-placed finish and a Champions League final, has a proven track record
in English football.
Rafael Benitez
One of the most experienced managers in the business,
62-year-old Benitez has been biding his time since his ignominious departure
from Everton in January last year.
Always a controversial appointment by the Goodison hierarchy
given his Liverpool background, the hugely-successful Spaniard endured a torrid
six months on the blue half of Merseyside.
But he is still revered by fans of the Toffees’ arch-rivals
and by Newcastle supporters after he dragged the Magpies back into the top
flight.