Leeds United have announced that Michael Skubala will continue to lead the first team for the club's "upcoming fixtures".
Skubala has been placed in temporary charge along with coaches Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas following last week's dismissal of Jesse Marsch, who is allegedly close to becoming Southampton's new boss.
The coaching trio took charge of Leeds' challenging double-header with Manchester United, which included a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last Wednesday.
The Whites came up short in the reverse fixture at Elland Road, though, as they were beaten 2-0 by the Red Devils courtesy of two late goals in the final 10 minutes.
Leeds are yet to enter advanced negotiations with any potential successor to Marsch, and the club have decided to stick with Skubala for their "upcoming fixtures" including Saturday's trip to Goodison Park against fellow strugglers Everton.
📰 #LUFC can confirm Michael Skubala will continue to lead the men's first team for the club's upcoming fixtures
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 14, 2023
A statement on Leeds' official website read: "Leeds United can confirm Michael Skubala will continue to lead the men's first team for the club's upcoming fixtures.
"Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas will carry on supporting Michael, alongside the backroom team already in place.
Skubala, Gallardo and Armas have overseen two positive performances over the last week against Manchester United and will lead training ahead of this weekend's Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park."
In response to the update, Skubala said: "I have really enjoyed the experience and the team and staff have responded well.
"I know I speak for Paco and Chris when I say that it is an honour to be on the touchline at this club.
"We will continue work tirelessly to help to push on up the table in the short term, whilst the board focus on the long term future of the team."
© Reuters
Soon after the sacking of Marsch, Leeds were heavily linked with appointing former coach Carlos Corberan, but he opted to sign a contract extension to remain in charge at West Bromwich Albion.
Rayo Vallecano's Andoni Iraola then became one of the frontrunners for the Elland Road vacancy, but the La Liga club have allegedly blocked Leeds' pursuit of the 40-year-old.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord's Arne Slot, former Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo and former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder are all understood to have turned down the chance to take the reins at Leeds.
The West Yorkshire outfit have now been left with limited options in the search for a new manager who fits the club's profile, and there have been suggestions that they may consider appointing an interim boss until the end of the season before reassessing the permanent vacancy in the summer.
Leeds have won only four of their 22 Premier League matches so far this season and they currently sit 17th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.
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