Manager who was blocked from joining Leeds United now ‘high’ in Tottenham’s list to replace Ange Postecoglou
Although someone else could have pushed Leeds United to the next level, they will be overjoyed with Daniel Farke’s appointment if they are promoted.
As another season comes to an end, there is optimism that the Whites will return to the top division the next year because a bottle from this stage of the Championship would cause a stir.
The Leeds manager is deserving of his praise, particularly after supporters witnessed Farke’s incredible comeback on his final opportunity.
Given that 2017 is probably going to be their season of promotion, it is evident that it might have been guaranteed had Leeds not failed to secure promotion the previous season, and Farke was the person they looked at to make that happen.
He is currently in great demand and appears to be Ange Postecoglou’s possible replacement at Tottenham.
Former Leeds target Andoni Iraola ‘high’ on Tottenham’s radar
Andoni Iraola could have been Leeds’ manager right now, as he is currently having a great season with his Bournemouth team.
After Jesse Marsch was fired during the 22–23 season, Leeds considered their possibilities for a new head coach.
At Rayo Vallecano, Iraola was displaying encouraging signs and is now known as a manager with a very high ceiling.
Naturally, Leeds became interested in this, but a move for the Spaniard to Yorkshire never materialized because Vallecano “blocked” Leeds from contacting the now-Bournemouth manager (BBC Sport).
Unfortunately, Iraola may now take Ange Postecoglou’s place at Spurs, as the Cherries manager is reportedly “high” on Tottenham’s list, according to TEAMtalk.
Angus Kinnear on why Iraola changed his mind over the Leeds job
The Spaniard was eventually persuaded by the Whites’ management since encouraging progress was being made.
Things were moving along smoothly until Irana decided it was not the right time to join Leeds.
With the Tottenham connections, everything obviously worked out for him today, but if Iraola had moved to Yorkshire, who knows where Leeds would have ended up.
In 2023, Angus Kinnear, who will be departing the team, discussed why Iraola decided against replacing Marsch in an interview with The Square Ball.
“The people identified at that stage, should it be decided Jesse shouldn’t continue, were Iraola, (Arne) Slot, and Raul,” Kinnear said.
“Raul told us he wasn’t prepared to come to Leeds at that point. Iraola and Slot both told us they would be prepared to come to Leeds and would be made available.
“Then when the process started, it obviously happens quite quickly, Iraola decided that he wasn’t prepared to come anymore, even though he had an exit clause.”
Farke is establishing himself at the club, but under Iraola, Leeds’ Premier League effort could have begun far sooner.
It simply didn’t add up, though, and even though Leeds lost out, there is still hope that Farke can guide the Whites to a successful future nevertheless.
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