Position on Rafa Benitez as a replacement
Leeds United could now name Rafa Benitez as their next manager. The Elland Road team are looking for a replacement for Jesse Marsch after the American was sacked on Monday.
That’s according to The Guardian, which reports Benitez has friends in the Leeds boardroom. However, a move by the West Yorkshire team to appoint the Spaniard is unlikely at this time. Whites sporting director Victor Orta may not think he will be the right tactical cast.
Leeds are looking for their next manager after sacking Marsch following a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday. The result left the team 17th in the Premier League table with 18 points in 20 games. They are just outside the relegation zone by goal difference.
Elland Road bosses felt Marsch’s position was untenable as they scramble to avoid a Championship relapse. The 49-year-old had recorded four wins in the joint league this season, scoring 26 goals while conceding 34. They are just three points clear of 20th place.
Orta has fought long and hard to buy Marsch more time to try to turn the ship after picking the American to replace Marcelo Bielsa last February. However, other directors felt that a change was needed and advocated one to ensure full acquisition by 49er Enterprises.
Orta could prevent Leeds from appointing Benitez as their next manager after Marsch
Leeds are now eyeing several substitutes for the sacked march, with Benitez among the contenders as the next manager. But the former Liverpool, Newcastle United and Everton manager’s defensive style is likely to clash with the vision Orta has for the Elland Road team.
Benitez remains unemployed after being sacked by Everton last January after just six and a half months in office. The Goodison Park natives sought a move to avoid relegation from the Premier League. They won five and lost ten of their 19 high-profile games with him.
Everton also won just one of their last 13 league games under Benitez with a surprising 2-1 result against Arsenal. The Blues also played against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in this run. But they lost 5-2 to Watford, 4-1 to Liverpool and 2-1 to Norwich City.
The 62-year-old was also relegated with Newcastle in 2015/16, having only taken over in March. But the Spaniard guided the Toon to the league title and best Premier League result since 11/11. He also won the Champions League at Liverpool in 04/05.
In other news, Simon Grayson opens up on Corberan replacing Jesse Marsch at Leeds United
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/07/leeds-united-sack-jesse-marsch-stance-on-rafa-benitez-as-replacement/ Position on Rafa Benitez as a replacement
