Premier League: Leeds United appoint new manager
Leeds United have finally named their new manager
They have agreed terms with former Watford boss Javi Gracia to replace Jesse Marsch.
Marsch was sacked on 6 February but Leeds have faced several setbacks in their hunt for his replacement. The Spaniard Gracia took Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019. He then went on to manager at La Liga side Valencia and Qatari club Al Sadd.
Can Garcia keep Leeds up?
They are currently 19th in the Premier League and host bottom club Southampton in their next game on Saturday.
The club say Gracia has been appointed on a "flexible contract" and will take charge of the side against Saints "subject to obtaining the necessary work permissions".
Under-21s boss Michael Skubala has been in interim charge since Marsch's sacking despite club owner Andrea Radrizzani initially promising a quick appointment.
A long drawn out process
An approach for Rayo Vallecano's Andoni Iraola was blocked, while Feyenoord's Arne Slot ruled himself out.
Former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder fell out of contention after a negative reaction from many fans, and Carlos Corberan - who previously worked under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds - signed a new contract at West Brom.
Javi Gracia, at Elland Road this morning to complete his appointment as new head coach of Leeds United ⚪️🇪🇸🤝🏻 #LUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2023
Agreement set to be announced — it will be valid until the end of the season if all goes to plan. pic.twitter.com/itsOHrFJCI
The official Leeds United Twitter account posted: " 📰 #LUFC is delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit."
What do the fans think?
Anthony told us: "It's a good opportunity for Javi Gracia and the best we could have hoped for given their circumstance. It's a pity it has taken so long to make the appointment. We didn't expect to get anything out of the 2 games against Manchester United, but the defeat on Saturday against Everton was a massive blow."
Premier League reaction as Everton earn important win (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Gavin was a bit concerned about the direction that the club could go in. He added: "I wish him good luck as he will need it. The current squad with a few exceptions have been underperforming since November."
Another fan tweeted: "Welcome Javi, wish you the best of luck and success. You will have all the support in the world to get the team moving the right way."
Can he replicate the job he did at Watford?
William, a Watford Season Ticket holder, seemed to think so. He told us: "He did an excellent job with us. and many fans were sorry to see him go. A good manager and a thoroughly decent man. "
Despite that relative success, he was sacked by Watford in September 2019 after a poor start to the season. Having been appointed in January 2018, he led the Hornets to an 11th-place finish in the Premier League and their first FA Cup final in 35 years in his only full season in charge.
Leeds United fans would surely love a similar cup run. Even if Watford were thrashed in the final. Hornets Seal THRILLING Comeback! | Watford 3-2 Wolves | Emirates FA Cup 18/19 - YouTube
Premier League reaction as Everton earn important win (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
