Leeds appoint Javi Gracia as manager until end of season

Leeds United have confirmed the arrival of head coach Javi Gracia. The coach commits to the club on a short-term deal until the end of the current campaign. However, Leeds also stated that Gracia agreed to a “flexible contract” in their official announcement.

“Leeds United are delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become men’s first team head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit,” the official statement read. “The experienced 52-year-old has agreed a flexible contract at Elland Road.”

Spaniard still needs work permit to coach club

A work permit, however, is still required for Gracia to man the sidelines for the Premier League side. This would obviously be needed in time for the weekend, as Leeds are set to face Southampton on Saturday.

“The club hope Gracia’s first game in charge of the Whites will be Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton at Elland Road, subject to obtaining the necessary work permissions,” said the team.

Gracia previously coached Osasuna, Malaga, Rubin Kazan, Watford, Valencia and most recently Al Sadd. The 52-year-old coach has been out of work since he left the Qatari club last summer. He departed Al Sadd with an impressive 72% win rate in the Middle Eastern country.

Javi Gracia brings Watford experience to Leeds

Most Premier League fans will remember Gracia for his time at Watford. The Spaniard helped keep the Hornets in the top flight during his 18-month spell with the team. Watford even finished 11th and made an FA Cup final during Gracia’s only full season at the helm. The club was relegated eight months after the Spanish coach departed England.

Leeds will now hope Gracia can work similar magic with the West Yorkshire club. The Whites are currently 19th in the Premier League table, two points from safety. A matchup with Southampton on Saturday will be massive in the club’s attempts to survive relegation. The Saints sit bottom of the standings. A win or loss at Elland Road will be impactful for Leeds either way.

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