Skubala says he is just focused on helping Leeds in relegation battle

Leeds caretaker boss Michael Skubala insists he is only focused on helping the club in relegation battle – and NOT on taking the job permanently – after failure to land a replacement for Jesse Marsch

• Leeds have so far failed to appoint a permanent replacement for Jesse Marsch 
• Under 21 boss Michael Skubala oversaw Leeds’ last two Premier League games 
• The caretaker manager insisted he is not auditioning for the permanent role 

Michael Skubala insists he is not auditioning for the permanent manager’s job at Leeds despite being given an extended spell in caretaker charge.

The 40-year-old will lead the Whites at relegation rivals Everton on Saturday and against rock-bottom Southampton next weekend after the club’s failure to land a replacement for Jesse Marsch.

Should Skubala start picking up results, he is likely to be kept in charge at Elland Road until the end of season.

But the former England futsal boss, who is stepping up from his job as Leeds Under-21s coach, says he is not thinking about pushing his own case for the vacant hotseat.

‘I am not really seeing it so much as an opportunity, but more of a job I need to do to support the club in this moment,’ said Skubala.

Michael Skubala insists he is not auditioning for the permanent manager’s job at Leeds despite being given an extended spell in caretaker charge after Jesse Marsch was dismissed

The Leeds Under 21s boss oversaw both of last week’s games against Manchester United

‘I love coaching and working with players. I was happy in my U21s role as well. If I am here later on, that is something in the future, but at the moment I am just trying to do the best job I can do.

‘Every day I just come in to set up the team and be prepared. I was prepared for this week if I was needed to be called upon.

‘I didn’t expect to be here. But I have been coaching for many, many years in the background and in different ways. I am just seeing it as a game of football that I need to prepare. I wouldn’t say it is overwhelming, I would say it’s exciting.’

Leeds have failed to land a replacement for Jesse Marsch after sacking him over a week ago

Leeds also announced Luke Ayling’s contract has been extended until the summer of 2024

Leeds earlier announced they have exercised a clause in Luke Ayling’s contract to extend his deal until the summer of 2024.

The defender would have been out of contract at the end of this season before the extension was triggered.

Skubala added: ‘Luke is a great person to have around. He is a great leader in the dressing room and a bit of a legend at the club.

‘I am really pleased personally and for the club that they could get an extension. It is a really important moment.’

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