Victor Orta wanted to fly out to the Netherlands to apologise to Alfred Schreuder in person after Leeds United decided against appointing the Dutchman before Javi Gracia came in as manager.
That is according to a report from The Athletic, following the news that Leeds have now parted company with Victor Orta after six years as the club’s sporting director.
It has been a turbulent time for the Spaniard. And it felt like the end was nigh after a nightmare 14 months at Elland Road.
Orta wanted to apologise to Schreuder in person
It seems that Javi Gracia is on his way out after a brief period as interim boss. And with that, Orta’s decision-making is once again under the microscope.
Gracia, of course, did not appear to be his first-choice for the role after the club sacked Jesse Marsch in February. Andoni Iraola was the main target. Meanwhile, there seemed to be a hope that Michael Skubala would steady the ship for a lot longer than he managed.
But another name who was in the frame was Alfred Schreuder, the 50-year-old who had recently been sacked by Ajax.
Schreuder was even at Elland Road for Leeds’ clash with Manchester United. However, as noted by The Athletic, fan backlash led to Leeds deciding against giving him the job.
And it seems that the handling of the situation did not sit right with Orta. According to The Athletic, Orta wanted to fly out to the Netherlands to apologise to Schreuder in person about what happened.
Gracia not blameless, but middle of the season has cost Leeds
That period in the middle of the season is going to be what costs Leeds if we are relegated.
Jesse Marsch’s two wins just before the World Cup seemed to convince the club to keep him in a job – even if the writing seemed to be on the wall.
And by the time a change was made, the January transfer window was closed and Leeds did not appear to have a clear direction in mind.
Javi Gracia is not blameless in this. But he capitalised on an opportunity as Leeds failed to land any of their top targets.
Ultimately, turning to Gracia did not turn out to be a blessing in disguise. And Orta is one of those now paying the price.