Leeds United were reportedly on pole position for Quique Sanchez Flores back in 2016 with Massimo Cellino looking to replace Steve Evans – and now, the Spanish gaffer is without a club after deciding to leave La Liga side Getafe.
Flores, 58, has a deeply impressive CV. A manager that has taken charge of clubs in Spain, Portugal, Middle East, in China and England. Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Valencia, Getafe for three spells and Watford, two stints in the dugout.
A Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid, Flores has 620 games under his belt and is still managing at the top tier – having guided Getafe to safety on both occasions in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Both seasons, finishing in 15th.
Solid, allowing Getafe to consolidate. But he has now decided to leave, and it is unclear where he will end up next. Perhaps, a return to England – where he impressed in charge of Watford, at least, in his first spell as their manager.
He guided Watford to 13th place in the Premier League in 2015-16. The Spaniard won an impressive 16 of 44, but after leaving the Hornets – The Star reported that Leeds were on pole to bring him in, with Massimo Cellino keen.
Leeds were on pole for Flores in 2016, now Spaniard is without a club
The main contenders remain in the form of Daniel Farke, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker. But if the Leeds board and the 49ers have a quick look on Twitter to see what fans are thinking – it is a feeling of being underwhelmed.
Would Flores be any different? Well, the Spaniard’s CV is deeply impressive and he has impressed as manager of a Getafe side that were always going to be fighting against the drop. But Flores has something the other three do not.
He has, on his CV, the ability to impress in the Premier League. Farke has two promotions, Parker too. But neither have been able to crack the Premier League, suffering relegation. Flores can get Leeds up, and keep us there.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
