Leeds United have confirmed that Michael Skubala will take charge of the squad at Elland Road for the foreseeable future whilst the powers at the club continue their search for the next permanent manager.
The Whites have found themselves struggling to stop themselves from being thrown in the mix for relegation in the Premier League this season with the side teetering on the edge of the bottom three now just one point clear of Everton ahead of their clash at Goodison Park this weekend.
As a result, Skubala could look to the depth in his squad to make some tweaks and tactical changes in order to ensure that the side picks up crucial points in their upcoming games to not only widen the gap with the relegation zone but to earn himself a chance of being in contention to remain in his caretaker role at the club.
Indeed, the interim manager has already proven he is capable of picking up results with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last week, so putting the trust in the former youth coach to lead the side to victory over two of their relegation rivals, Everton and Southampton, in the upcoming fixtures makes sense.
One player who could finally be unleashed in Leeds’ starting eleven is club-record signing Georginio Rutter with the striker yet to make a start in the Premier League.
Patrick Bamford has been struggling to make his presence known in front of goal this season with just one league goal tallied up over his first 15 appearances and since Skubala has taken over from Jesse Marsch has found himself being hooked in the second half of the game to make way for Rutter.
Now the 20-year-old could stake his claim to the striker role for Leeds if he is given the opportunity to start when the side pay a visit to Merseyside this weekend.
Over his short career so far, Rutter has scored 20 goals and delivered 10 assists with a goal contribution every 174 minutes, proving that he is showing glimpses of consistency in his output.
Last season in the Bundesliga, the Frenchman – hailed “spectacular” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen – scored two goals, registered two assists and created two big chances over 15 appearances, as well as averaging 1.8 shots in total, 2.1 successful dribbles and 4.5 duels won per game.
With that being said, if Skubala deploys Rutter in the forward line in the upcoming games and the young dynamo helps Leeds secure crucial points it would be an incredible move from the temporary boss and would give Victor Orta something to consider for the rest of the season.