Leeds United

Leeds United have stumbled into a win-win situation after Javi Gracia announcement: Our view

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Image for Leeds United have stumbled into a win-win situation after Javi Gracia announcement: Our view

Javi Gracia is the new Leeds United head coach after his appointment on a “flexible contract” was confirmed by the club earlier in the week.

Leeds moved to sack Jesse Marsch earlier in February, leaving Michael Skubala in-charge of fixtures with Man United x2 and Everton, games that yielded just a single point.

That’s led the club to Gracia’s door, tasking the 52-year-old former Watford boss with keeping the club in the Premier League.

What follows beyond that is up for debate, with the focus on the short-term.

Will Gracia be Leeds manager in 2023/24?

WATFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 16: Javi Gracia, Manager of Watford acknowledges the fans after the FA Cup Quarter Final match between Watford and Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road on March 16, 2019 in Watford, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

It’s impossible to say, then, whether or not Gracia will be at the club beyond the summer of 2023 given the terms of his contract and the fact that Leeds explored other options like Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot before turning to the Spaniard in quite knee jerk fashion.

Our writers Kris (FA5) and Alfie (N12) discuss what the future at Leeds might look like:

I think a lot of what happens with the manager position largely depends on how well Gracia fares this season.

Should we limp to survival, then I can’t see the club thinking he’s the long-term solution, but if he passes this test with flying colours, then why not give him the chance?

As much as he needs to get results right away for us here, he is also auditioning for the role beyond this season, and will want to showcase his credentials by getting results with good football.

It does seem, though, that the short-term deal the club look to have him currently on does lend itself to easily cutting ties to go land Andoni Iraola in the summer.

Should we stay up, we’re in a great position either way – either we keep Gracia who has shown his ability to get a tune out of the side, or we get a very talented coach in Iraola.

Will Gracia keep Leeds up?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Leeds have stumbled their way into a win-win situation really.

Gracia has been convinced to come to Leeds on a short-term deal, with the club paying no compensation and his arrival hasn’t been met by disgust amongst the supporters.

His task is to keep Leeds in the Premier League and, if he does, earn himself a shot at the job medium-term.

Leeds, by getting him on the cheap, aren’t minded that this is the project beyond the summer if it doesn’t seem right. At that point, it’s going to be easier to get an Iraola or Slot out of Rayo Vallecano or Feyenoord.

What will give Gracia the best shot at staying into 2023/24 will be survival before the end of the season and good football; if the progress is there, Leeds should give him the chance. However, my gut-feeling is that the short-term deal he’s signed and lack of clarity around it means that the club have an eye on a different project in the summer. It’s down to Gracia to change their thinking.

Whether intended or not, Leeds are in a fairly good place to move forwards if they survive.

Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Southampton ahead of Saturday clash?

1 of 15

April 2022, Elland Road?

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.