ANGE WON’T LEAVE US IN LURCH
Leeds interest mounts but Bhoys sure boss will stay with champs
CELTIC top brass remain confident Ange Postecoglou will not leave them in the lurch for leeds despite mounting speculation the Aussie’s name has made it on to an elland Road shortlist. The Hoops boss has been linked with a move to the Premier League strugglers since the trigger was pulled on Jesse Marsch following Sunday’s defeat at Nottingham Forest.
And the interest looks to have
intensified over the last 24 hours after reports from Leeds that Postecoglou is one of several bosses, currently in employment, who are under serious consideration for the post.
West Brom’s Carlos Corberan was one of them but last night he signed a contract extension at the Baggies, seemingly ruling himself out of the running.
Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola – who, like Corderan, worked with former Leeds gaffer Marcelo Bielsa – is a contender.
But the relegationthreatened club also see similarities between the management styles of Bielsa and Postecoglou, with the Celtic chief believed to fit perfectly with their desired profile.
Sources at Leeds insist the interview process got up and running after Marsch’s sacking on Monday, with further discussions held yesterday.
But Record Sport understands that, as of late yesterday afternoon, Celtic had received no contact from the Leeds board asking for permission to open talks with Postecoglou.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson and chairman Peter Lawwell believe the 57-year-old is happy, motivated and completely committed to leading his side towards a second successive title, despite any potential interest from across the border.
Leeds have cobbled together a three-man coaching team to take interim charge for tonight’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford in the first of a double-header against Erik Ten Hag’s side.
And they hope to have a new man nailed down in time for Sunday’s rematch at Elland Road. Stand-in coach Michael Skubala said: “This is a temporary situation.
“I’m happy to support the club while they work really hard to find a new head coach.”