Rayo Vallecano are in the process of identifying replacements for Andoni Iraola with Premier League outfit Leeds United a big fan of the La Liga boss.
There was considerable frustration among some sections of the Elland Road fanbase when Leeds opted to sit off Brighton and Hove Albion during the recent top-flight clash in West Yorkshire. But, as supporters are beginning to realise, everything Javi Gracia does, he does for a reason.
Brighton are one of the division’s best when it comes to breaking a press and exposing the spaces left in behind. Gracia’s rather pragmatic tactics may not be what fans pay the money to see, but they did help Leeds limit the attacking capabilities of Roberto de Zerbi’s side, all the while securing a valuable and valiant point in their battle against relegation.
Gracia is a far more flexible coach than either Marcelo Bielsa or Jesse Marsch; not one wedded to a particular philosophy but one willing to adapt to the strengths and the weaknesses of the opposition. That versatility, plus his serious attention to detail, has come in pretty handy so far; Leeds’ 4-2 win away at Wolves before the international break lifting them up to the dizzying heights of 14th.
Could Andoni Iraola replace Javi Gracia as Leeds United manager?
Pick up where he left off when club football returns and Leeds could soon have a difficult decision to make about a man who’s short-term contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
Andoni Iraola, a man identified as Gracia’s potential replacement, is set to become a free-agent himself in May.
Rayo Vallecano, Cadena Ser report, are leaving nothing to chance either. Replacements are already being identified; ex-Girona coach Francisco and legendary Rayo forward Jon Pérez Bolo among them.
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Iraola, who played under Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao, has Rayo flying high in the top half of La Liga. That is despite operating on one of the smallest budgets in La Liga. His ‘incredible’ brand of football’, meanwhile, will be welcome among a Leeds fanbase pining for ‘Bielsa-ball’.
‘Incredible brand of football’
Leeds were reportedly willing to trigger the £9 million release clause in the 40-year-old’s contract after Marsch’s departure in February. With his contract running out, Iraola could arrive at Elland Road for absolutely nothing in time for pre-season.
“Iraola looks like he could be, if not the favourite, then certainly up there, and for a number of reasons. Obviously, he is an excellent candidate,” Spanish football expert Phil Kitromilides told talkSPORT at the time.
“He’s improved this Rayo team, which is a limited team in terms of big names and quality. He improves players individually, and got them playing an incredible brand of football. So he’s a really, really strong candidate.
“And you can understand why Leeds are looking at him.”
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