Leeds United had made enquiries for Rafa Benitez in their bid to appoint a new manager, but the Daily Mail reports that the Spaniard is understood to be prepared to wait for another role.
The Whites have seemingly changed course again. After previously being willing to put their faith in Michael Skubala, Saturday’s loss to Everton has seemingly left Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta scrambling to make an appointment.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that talks are underway with Javi Gracia. But he is not the only Spaniard on Leeds’ radar.
Leeds made approach for Benitez
The Daily Mail reports that Leeds reached out to Benitez about the position. The 62-year-old is currently out of work after leaving Everton last year.
However, it seems that Benitez is not prepared to make the move to Elland Road. The Daily Mail suggests that Benitez is waiting for another project before he returns to the dug-out.
Benitez is a divisive character. There is absolutely no question that he has achieved a huge amount in the game. And he is loved by supporters of some of the clubs he has previously managed.
However, he did receive criticism for the style of play his Newcastle side played. And Everton were in turmoil by the time he departed. Obviously, he was not the only manager to fail with the Toffees in recent years.
Having said that, Leeds need to get themselves out of trouble. If they can stay up, the foundations are in place to kick on. And the Whites would undoubtedly pick up points if Benitez came in.
He did fail to keep Newcastle up initially. However, he arrived on Tyneside later on in the campaign. And obviously, he did bring the club back up the following year.
So it would not have been a fashionable appointment. But Leeds need to get their season back on track. And bringing Benitez in would have arguably been a smart move at this stage.
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