Paulo Fonseca was another manager Leeds United considered before they ultimately pursued Jesse Marsch, according to a report from Leeds Live.
Marsch is gearing up for his first game in charge following a turbulent few days at Elland Road. Leeds, of course, sacked Marcelo Bielsa after a spell in which the Argentinian cemented his spot as a club icon.
Everything felt very sudden. However, there had already been talk surrounding Bielsa’s future with his contract up at the end of the season.
Previous reports claimed that Marsch, Ernesto Valverde and Carlos Corberan were all wanted this summer. And obviously, they have appointed the American after bringing plans for replacing Bielsa forward.
But the trio were not the only names they looked at. Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross has claimed that they were also interested in Fonseca and had him on the shortlist.
Fonseca has been out of work since last summer. However, he is a name that fans of various Premier League clubs will have been very much aware of.
He was heavily linked with the Tottenham post last summer. Meanwhile, both Newcastle and Aston Villa have looked at the 48-year-old this season.
It is interesting that Leeds have also reportedly looked at Fonseca. He has a very decent record since becoming a manager.
He won three league titles with Shakhtar Donetsk, with well over 300 wins in 594 games in all competitions across his career.
Leeds look to have made smart choice with Marsch appointment after gambling on Bielsa decision amid Fonseca interest
The decision to sack Bielsa is a huge gamble from Leeds. Of course, their form was poor. But he has done an unbelievable job at Elland Road. And many clearly felt that he would turn their form around.
It remains to be seen if it was the right call. It says a lot that some fans felt that Bielsa managing them in the Championship would have still been preferable to staying in the top-flight under someone else.
But the decision has been taken. And Marsch looks to be a smart choice ahead of the likes of Fonseca. He looks to be someone who emulates Bielsa in some ways, and differs in others.
Leeds will be the similarities make it easier for the fans to deal with the decision. And they are hoping that the differences make the Whites better-equipped to stay up.