Angus Kinnear has told The Square Ball that Leeds United made an approach to hire Real Madrid icon Raul as the club’s new manager if Jesse Marsch was sacked – but the Spaniard rejected a move to us.
Leeds sacked Marsch in February – and since then, four others have been in the Leeds dugout. Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia and then, Sam Allardyce. Now, Daniel Farke. It is a catastrophic fall from grace.
Kinnear admits that Marsch should have been sacked sooner. It is apparent that the Leeds board had a contingency plan in place to replace Marsch before the decision to sack him came. Raul approached.
The former Spain striker, who enjoyed wonderful success as a player, has since been managed of Real Madrid’s Castilla side – their B team – since the summer of 2019. Kinnear says Leeds spoke to Raul.
“The people identified – if Jesse left – were Iraola, Slot and Raul. Raul told us earlier in the season that he wasn’t prepared to come. Iraola and Slot told us they’d be prepared to come, would be available.”
Angus Kinnear: Leeds made an approach to hire Madrid icon Raul
It would have certainly excited fans. An utter legend in Spanish football – and clearly, impressing within the realms of B-team management at Madrid. Last season, his side finished third – in Spain’s third tier.
He is doing an impressive job. But there is a debate ongoing. Is he ready to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Madrid’s next manager – or, does he need to get a top-flight job first to prove himself before returning.
Leeds might have been ideal. But, Raul was clearly right. Leeds was too much of a hot potato last term to take on – and risk what is a burgeoning reputation within the comfort blanket of Real Madrid.
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