Todays press conference to introduce Thomas Christiansen as the new head-coach of Leeds United meant the chance to dig more into the ins and outs of the club. One of the key points was that along with James Beattie, Pep Clotet and Darryl Flahaven were also leaving the club for pastures new.
The new assistant manager has come with Thomas Christiansen and is Spanish coach Julio Banuelos. Banuelos started his career in the youth academy at Real Madrid before moving on to a few clubs in the lower leagues of the Spanish game. After managing a few teams in the lower leagues of Spain including Alaves he moved abroad to join Thomas Christiansen at AEK Lamaca. After a successful spell with them and two second place finishes he followed Christiansen onto the APOEL job and helped them win the league and reach the last 16 of the Europa League.
Victor Orta didn’t beat around the bush he told us straight about Pep Clotet. He decided three weeks ago that he wanted to move on and leave for another challenge, and that was that. Darryl Flahaven has also left and joining the two new Spaniards at Leeds are two more. Ivan Torres is the new fitness coach and Marcos Abad, who turned down a move to China to come to Elland Road has joined, he had previously worked with Orta during his time at Middlesbrough. That is four Spanish coaches at the club despite the departure of Pep Clotet. Pep Clotet leaves with all of my best wishes for the future, he knew what he had at Leeds and didn’t take it for granted.
Victor Orta promised new players but ones that wanted to play for Leeds United and not just come for the money and said that Thomas Christiansen would have the last word on the players coming in. Christiansen has signed a two-year-deal with the option of a third and he was keen to express how much he wanted to achieve and the club.
