Real Madrid legend and Castilla head coach Raul Gonzalez has reportedly rejected an offer to become the new manager of Leeds United. According to Spanish media outlet AS, Raul declined the opportunity in order to continue coaching Real Madrid’s reserve team. Despite interest from clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga, Raul feels the time is not right to make the jump to first-team management.
Raul has impressed in his role leading Real Madrid’s under-23 side, guiding the team to a 12-match unbeaten streak. The former striker is considered one of the top candidates to eventually succeed Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, Ancelotti’s son Davide is rumored to be the current favorite. The chance to manage Leeds could have provided Raul experience as a first-team manager, but he has chosen to remain in his current position to continue developing as a coach.
Leeds finds itself struggling near the relegation zone after a seven-match winless streak under recently dismissed manager Jesse Marsch. With the pressure on to avoid relegation, Leeds has turned its attention to other managerial candidates after Raul’s rejection. Options include Carlos Corberan, the former Leeds under-23 manager now coaching West Bromwich Albion, and Andoni Iraola, manager of La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. However, West Brom is unlikely to allow Corberan to leave, as he has led the club to success over his first four months in charge. As a result, Leeds could pursue Iraola or another candidate to fill its managerial vacancy and spark a push away from the drop zone.
