Leeds United 'REJECTED by Real Madrid legend over vacant manager post' after Jesse Marsch sacking

Real Madrid legend Raul turned down the stunning opportunity to succeed Jesse Marsch as Leeds United manager, according to reports in Spain.

Marsch, who replaced Marcelo Bielsa last February, was axed from his position at the Premier League strugglers after Leeds’ 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Leeds have been without a win in their last seven Premier League matches, with the club languishing in 17th place in the league table.

“We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them well for the future,” Leeds said in a club statement.

“The process of appointing a new head coach is under way and we will continue to keep supporters up to date throughout the coming days.”

According to Diario AS, Leeds made an approach for Real Madrid Castilla manager Raul after the American Marsch was dismissed from his duties.

Raul previously managed Madrid’s Cadete B side (Under-15s) before he succeeded Manolo Diaz in 2019 as head coach of Castilla.

The Spanish newspaper added that the former Spain international rejected the opportunity from Leeds as it was ‘not the ideal’ timing to leave Castilla.

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Raul is in a nail-biting league race with Castilla, who are second and two points behind leaders Alcorcon, and he does not want to ‘leave the club in the middle of the season.’

Following Marsch’s dismissal, backroom staff and coaches Pierre Barrieu, Cameron Toshack and Rene Maric were also axed from Leeds.

Coaches Paco Gallardo, Michael Skubala and Chris Armas are set to lead the club for their forthcoming clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.