Poyet admits interest in Leeds job, but not right now

Gus Poyet will have given many Brighton and Hove Albion fans palpitations with comments suggesting an interest in the vacant Leeds job, but he has stressed the timing isn’t right for a return to Elland Road.

Poyet was talking after his Brighton side won 2-1 away to Leeds where he was assistant manager in 2007 before leaving to take up the same post with Tottenham.

His stock has risen considerably since then after guiding Brighton to an impressive promotion from League One last season and the Uruguayan has now led the Seagulls to the brink of the playoffs in the Championship.

The charismatic manager has been linked with the job at Leeds United following Simon Grayson’s departure, while his name has also been touted around in the assumption that a vacancy is soon to arise at White Hart Lane.

However, while Poyet was happy to admit his fondness for Leeds and a desire to manage them in the future, he also stressed he is happy with Brighton.

After being asked about taking on the Leeds job following Saturday’s match, Poyet said: “I would say it’s very difficult. I would say to you there is no chance.

“What I mean is it’s difficult to say you’re not interested when it’s a place that was spectacular for me. I grew up so much as a coach and learned so much. It’s not like I’m saying I’m not interested.

“I would love in the future to manage Leeds. I would really like to come back. Probably the timing is not right. To anyone who wants me back, I’m sorry.”

He added: “Leeds is a special one for me but I prefer to wait. If it (an offer from Leeds) is coming then it’s a problem because you need to think about it.

“But I’m lucky at the moment because I’m at a place where I’ve got everything I want. It’s a good time to be at Brighton and I’ve got a long-term contract.

“I prefer to relax and do my job. Whatever comes, we’ll talk when it comes.”

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Posted by Joseph Lewis on February 13, 2012. Filed under Brighton & Hove Albion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry