I AM LIVING THE DREAM ...FOR ONE DAY ONLY!
Skubala takes over from Marsch for just one game... and that’s away to Leeds’ bitterest rivals
MICHAEL SKUBALA will be living the dream when he takes charge of Leeds at bitter rivals Manchester United tonight.
Skubala has been promoted from his role as Under-21 boss following the sacking of Jesse Marsch on Monday.
Marsch (right) was axed in the wake of a woeful run of seven league games without a win to leave Leeds one place above the drop zone.
The clash at Old Trafford could be Skubala’s one and only game in charge, with the Yorkshire club’s hierarchy aiming to appoint a new manager ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Elland Road on Sunday.
But even if this proves to be the case, Skubala admits he is relishing the challenge of attempting to derail a Reds side competing for the title this season.
Erik ten Hag’s men have not lost a game on home soil since the beginning of September and need victories to keep the pressure on Arsenal and Manchester City above them in the table.
But Skubala, whose last trip to the Theatre of Dreams was to watch the Under-18 Youth Cup final nine months ago, will not be daunted by the challenge ahead.
He said: “It’s every coach’s dream. I’ll be up for this as much as the other players and coaching staff, so it’s very exciting. It’s a really exciting prospect.
“It’s Manchester United. I don’t think any of us need to get players up for the challenge, so I don’t think it will be daunting.” Skubula became good friends with Gareth Southgate when he worked for the FA (below), before deciding to leave to join Leeds last summer. But Skubala will not be contacting the England boss for advice ahead of the clash – and will pick the brains of former United coach Chris Armas instead as he looks to pull off a shock win.
American Armas will join fellow coach
Paco Gallardo in the dugout alongside Skubala, who said: “I worked with Gareth Southgate at the FA.
“Yeah, sure, I could ring him. I have had lots of nice messages from lots of friends saying if I want some advice then they are happy to give that.
“Along my journey in coaching I’ve made some good friends and allies along the way, so I have a good support network around me. But I don’t think I’ll ring Gareth. He’s busy enough!” Skubala spoke to Marsch before the American cleared his office – and insists the mood in camp remains positive despite all the upheaval.
He added: “The situation is hard for the club and for Jesse.
“The board decided he wasn’t getting enough points – and it’s a points industry.
“I’ve seen change quite a lot so it’s important to be calm.
“It’s been busy, but it’s a good challenge. The owners are working really hard behind the scenes to find the solution.
“Jesse was a good guy, the team was working hard for him, but they’re used to change.
“The mood is OK, we just have to focus on Manchester United and be positive. We can’t be passive, but we need to be pragmatic.”