Tata Martino is being considered by Leeds United as a potential new manager
As reported by TNT Sports in Argentina, Tata Martino is being considered by Leeds United as a potential new manager.
Throughout this process, one thing has been very clear: Leeds is looking for a manager with links to Marcelo Bielsa. As a starting point, they considered Carlos Corberan, Bielsa’s former assistant; next, they considered Andoni Iraola, who played for Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao; finally, they considered Marcelo Gallardo, who played for Bielsa as Argentina manager.
Martino is now being considered by Leeds, and he, too, has ties to Bielsa. Since Martino was a player at Newell’s Old Boys while Bielsa was the coach, he must have made quite an effect on the young coach.
His coaching philosophy is similar to that of Marcelo Bielsa, and, oddly, El Loco was the one who recommended Martino for his last football coaching position.
As of early 2019, Mexico were apparently interested in hiring Bielsa as their next manager, but the Argentine respectfully rejected since he already had a job offer from Leeds.
Even though Bielsa ultimately rejected Mexico, he didn’t leave them completely out in the cold. He didn’t only reject the Central American side and hang up the phone; he recommended Martino to the Mexican FA and urged them to recruit him.
Mexico did eventually choose Martino as their new coach, so Bielsa’s suggestions must have had some weight. There is no way to tell whether Leeds is aware of this story, but it is possible that Bielsa’s recommendation is what has piqued Leeds’ interest in the 60-year-old.
Thanks to El Loco’s assistance throughout his job hunt, Martino is now qualified to take over for Bielsa.
