The problems facing Leeds in relegation fight and search for new manager - Independent 20/2/23
Leeds are second-bottom of the Premier League following defeat at Everton.
Mark Walker
Managerless Leeds United are in another Premier League
survival fight after dropping into the bottom three at the weekend for the
first time this season.
The Yorkshire club are struggling to find a new manager
after sacking Jesse Marsch and after Saturday’s defeat at Everton extended
their winless league run to 10 matches, their fans fear the worst.
Here, we take a look at what has gone wrong at Elland Road.
Why have they been unable to find a new head coach?
Leeds had hoped to announce a swift appointment after Marsch
was dismissed on February 6, but it is understood four of their five initial
targets are all currently in jobs. Attempts to prise Andoni Iraola and Arne
Slot from Rayo Vallecano and Feyenoord respectively have failed, former River
Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo did not want to start a project in mid-season and
Carlos Corberan signed a new contract at West Brom. Others have been linked
with the vacancy, such as Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, but the
hunt goes on.
Was dismissing Marsch the right decision?
Many Leeds fans felt Marsch had run his course at Elland
Road, but are angry that a replacement had not been lined up before he was
sacked. There had been calls for the American to go after an eight-game winless
league run in October, several months before the board decided his position was
untenable following his side’s inept performance in the recent defeat at
Nottingham Forest. Supporters are demanding answers from the club’s hierarchy
as to why the process has been handled so poorly.
How have Leeds responded to these setbacks?
Leeds put Under-21s boss Michael Skubala, development coach
Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas in temporary charge after Marsch’s exit. Armas
had been appointed as assistant head coach at Marsch’s behest on January 25.
After top targets eluded them, the board discussed an interim head coach, but
following talks with former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder broke down – and
having looked at other options – it was announced Skubala would remain in the
role as the club continued their search.
Who do fans blame for their predicament?
Chants of ‘sack the board’ from Leeds’ travelling supporters
during Saturday’s defeat at Everton made it clear who they are holding to
account. The board ultimately got it wrong when deciding to replace Marcelo
Bielsa with Marsch in February last year and again when sticking by him earlier
in the season. Fans are pointing the finger at director of football Victor Orta
in particular, for backing the American to the hilt for so long – Leeds spent
over £140million on new players under Marsch – and for bungling the search for
his replacement.
Where do Leeds go from here?