Michael Skubala says his role as Leeds United’s interim manager is about supporting the club, rather than “an opportunity” for him.
The 40-year-old has stepped up from being under-21 coach to take temporary charge after Jesse Marsch was sacked.
Under Skubala, Leeds have drawn 2-2 and lost 2-0 in Premier League games against Manchester United and face relegation rivals Everton on Saturday.
“Every day I try to do the best job I can to set up the team,” he said.
Fourth-bottom Leeds have said Skubala will remain in charge for their “upcoming fixtures” as they continue to search for Marsch’s full-time successor.
“I have always looked at this as an opportunity to support the club and chance to get another three points, rather than an opportunity for me,” he added.
“I’m happy coaching, I love working with players. I was happy in my under-21s role as well. If I’m here later on, then that’s for the future but, at the moment, I’m just trying to do the best job I can do.
“I didn’t expect to be here, that’s honest, but I’ve been coaching for many years in the background and in different ways.
“Overwhelming? I don’t think so, I’m OK. I’ve got a great support network around me with the staff, the board and the club itself and, for me, the fans have been brilliant as well.
“Hopefully they can see I’m just trying to do the best job I can do, so I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming, I’d say exciting really.”
Leeds host bottom club Southampton after their trip to Everton, who are a point and place below them in the table.
“There are a lot of games to go, enough for us to pick up points,” said Skubala.
“At the same time they are huge games. The players are excited about going to Goodison to try to get three points.”
‘Legend’ Ayling signs on until 2024
Leeds have exercised a clause in defender Luke Ayling’s contract to extend his current deal until the summer of 2024.
The 31-year-old would have been free to leave at the end of this season if the extension was not triggered.
Ayling has made 237 appearances for Leeds since joining from Bristol City in 2016.
“Luke is a very good person to have around and a great leader in the dressing room,” said Skubala.
“He is also a bit of a legend at the club so I am very pleased personally and professionally for him that we are able to get an extension out of him.
“It’s always important to have good leaders who can help support young players and that do things in the right way. Luke does both of those things.
“He’s also a really positive influence and performs well as he showed in the two games against Manchester United.”
Ayling helped Leeds win the Championship title in 2019-20 as the club achieved promotion to the top flight.
He has played 17 games, registering two assists, this season as the club fight to stay up.
“All my focus is on Leeds United staying in the Premier League this season, but it goes without saying that I love this football club and I am delighted to extend my stay into next year,” said Ayling.
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