Leeds United have held talks with Pedro Martins this week as they continue their pursuit of a new manager, according to a report from The Times today.
The Whites remain without a new boss more than a week since Jesse Marsch was sacked at Elland Road. Of course, several names have been put in the frame. But it is fair to say that the pursuit of the American’s successor has not gone to plan.
The Times notes that Andoni Iraola, Raul and Marcelo Gallardo have all rejected the job. Meanwhile, Carlos Corberan has also been eliminated from the running after signing a new contract with West Brom.
Leeds speak with Pedro Martins
Nuno Espírito Santo appears to be in contention. Meanwhile, it appears that Leeds have spoken to another boss working in the Middle East.
The Times suggests that the Whites have been in contact with Martins, who is currently in charge of Al-Gharafa.
The high point of his managerial career to date came when he won three league titles with Olympiacos. It was Corberan who succeeded him at the Greek side in 2022.
Martins will not excite many of the Leeds fans given that he had only managed in Portugal and Greece before heading to Qatar last year.
He himself has suggested to the Coaches Voice that he does not have defined style. Instead, he prefers his team to be adaptable. But he generally likes to oversee attacking football.
Wolves winger Daniel Podence was full of praise for Martins after working with him at Olympiacos. He described the 52-year-old as ‘special‘. And he praised the way that he gets on with his players.
We are at the stage now where it will be a gamble whichever appointment is made. So it is hard to know whether someone like Martins would be a good option.
Leeds would be wise to speak to almost anyone who has the slightest interest in the role at this point. And hopefully a significant update from the club is not too far away.
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