Leeds could turn to an interim manager after top targets turn down the post
>
IAN LADYMAN: Leeds would consider an interim appointment after Andoni Iraola and Carlos Corberan DECLINED on the manager job… but Patrick Bamford showed against Man United that he can be the focal point to keep the club on top, as long as he stays fit.
- Leeds goal Carlos Corberan and Andoni Iraola have stayed at their clubs
- An interim appointment could be made to fill the position until the summer
- Patrick Bamford provides a focal point the team needs in their fight for survival.
At one point this week, Leeds United had hoped to have a new manager sitting in the stands at Old Trafford, but it is not easy for the great Yorkshire club to replace Jesse Marsch, sacked on Monday after the defeat at Nottingham Forest.
With Carlos Corberan signing a new contract to stay at West Brom (Leeds claim he was never offered the job) and Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola choosing to remain in Spain, the search continues.
Leeds have privately indicated they will consider an interim appointment if necessary with the club’s owners and sporting director Victor Orta, preferring to wait until the summer to find the right man rather than hastily appointing him now.
What Leeds must do, of course, is stay awake. There was enough in Wednesday night’s performance to suggest they will, but as they prepare to face Manchester United again at Elland Road on Sunday, their league winless run now extends to eight and, due to the World Cup, until the end. Let’s go back to the beginning of November. That continues to be a concern.
One man who may be key to their prospects for survival is Patrick Bamford. Leeds are not short of attacking talent and the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison can be great to see how they commit the men forward.
Leeds is still looking for a coach after Andoni Iraola’s decision to stay at Rayo Vallecano
Carlos Corberan signed a new contract at West Brom, but Leeds claim they didn’t offer him the job
Patrick Bamford must stay fit to help Leeds keep up with the striker a vital focal point
Yet too often this season, Leeds have lacked a focal point. They are capable of scoring goals from different areas, but that is not the point. Bamford, playing as number nine, gives Leeds a natural approach to their attacking game.
He can hold the ball high, draw Leeds’ wide-open players into the game and is also gutsy enough to accept the physical challenges of the role. What you have to do now is stay in shape. Bamford has started just six Premier League games this season, scoring once, and it’s not enough.
Meanwhile, one player who seemed content to still be in a Leeds shirt last night was Harrison. The 26-year-old was at Leicester awaiting a medical before a transfer deadline day only for Leeds to decide they did not need the proceeds from the deal to finance their own transfers. Called back to Yorkshire, Harrison was back in the starting line-up last night after falling out of favor with Marsch and played a crucial role in Leeds’ second goal.
