Carlos Corberan’s name has surfaced in discussions regarding the Leeds United managerial position each time it has become available since Marcelo Bielsa’s unexpected departure in February 2022 – a trend that is far from accidental.
The level of admiration Leeds supporters hold for Bielsa is difficult to fully express. He was the individual who brought an end to their extended period outside of the Premier League, guided them to a noteworthy ninth-place finish during their initial season back, and accomplished these feats with a distinct footballing philosophy that had previously not been witnessed at Elland Road.
Importantly, that particular brand of football hasn’t been replicated since Bielsa left the club. Despite their successful promotion campaign, achieving 100 points and scoring 95 goals last season, there was a prevailing sentiment that the experience under Farke simply didn’t possess the same level of excitement that was present during Bielsa’s tenure.
The connection between Leeds fans’ desire for Carlos Corberan and Marcelo Bielsa
From an objective perspective, such views might be seen as somewhat unjust. Farke took on the position with the weight of expectations created by Bielsa’s achievements, coupled with the significant financial investments made in the club in recent times.
The fact that Farke’s team concluded their initial season in third place, only to be defeated in the play-offs, was regarded as a disappointment. Conversely, when Bielsa accomplished the identical feat five years prior, it was celebrated as a resounding success for a club that hadn’t secured a top-six finish in the second division since 2006.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Leeds supporters still hold a deep affection for the memorable years under the management of the Argentinian and that they eagerly embrace any indication that a prominent member of his coaching staff might eventually return to the club and rekindle those moments.
Corberan fits that description. Before Bielsa’s arrival, the Spaniard was already involved with the club, serving as the youth team coach. However, he quickly advanced to the position of first-team assistant. A brief move to Huddersfield, a neighboring club, culminated in Corberan leading the Terriers to an ultimately unsuccessful but notably unexpected play-off final appearance in 2022.
Predictably, with Farke facing increasing pressure, Corberan’s name is once again being circulated. He is currently considered a leading candidate for the position of permanent manager at Leeds United.
Corberan’s performance in steering Valencia away from the relegation zone after taking charge around Christmas last year, eventually securing a comfortable mid-table position, enhances his reputation, particularly given the situation Leeds currently face.
However, Leeds supporters who anticipate Corberan’s potential return if Farke is dismissed may face disappointment. According to Sport Witness, reports in Spain indicate that Corberan’s position is not under threat, despite Valencia’s somewhat sluggish start to the La Liga season.
It appears improbable that Corberan would be inclined to leave his present position. A key factor in his decision to leave West Bromwich Albion to take over at Valencia was undoubtedly the opportunity to be closer to his family.
Corberan is a native of the Valencia region and progressed through the club’s youth system as a promising goalkeeper. He now has a young family with his wife, a Spanish national whom he met in Leeds, and had limited opportunities to see his parents while working in England – particularly as, by Corberan’s previous admission, both he and his father are afraid of flying.
Consequently, Corberan’s ties to Valencia extend beyond mere professional ambitions. He may also be aware of the importance of rebuilding a reputation for loyalty to his clubs, having previously left Huddersfield (a decision that, in hindsight, was entirely reasonable but awkwardly timed) and West Brom.
Leeds supporters should also understand that, despite Corberan’s initial attempts to implement Bielsa-influenced methods at Huddersfield – which proved problematic due to the squad’s limitations – his subsequent achievements have been founded on pragmatism and the capacity to develop specific game plans tailored to each opponent.
This quality certainly appeals to Leeds at this moment. Throughout his tenure, similar to his time at Norwich, Farke has faced criticism for his inflexibility and reluctance to deviate from a predetermined strategy.
Nevertheless, whether Corberan would have interest in returning to assist in a turnaround remains uncertain. Moreover, he has always demonstrated a strong desire to be recognized as an individual with his own managerial style.
Since departing Leeds, he has struggled to avoid discussions centered around Bielsa’s influence. A return to Elland Road would inevitably lead to further comparisons with his former mentor – possibly setting an unattainable standard.
