Phil Hay has compared Javi Gracia to Marcelo Bielsa in the aftermath of Leeds United‘s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Whites initially went behind to Steve Cooper’s side, with Orel Mangala slotting home from Emmanuel Dennis’ pass for the visitors. Jack Harrison equalised shortly after, following in from Marc Roca’s long-range effort to score.
Luis Sinisterra bent home a lovely goal for Gracia’s side to put them 2-1 up on half-time, and that’s how the score remained, giving him another vital three points in Leeds’ bid to stay up.
Gracia has accrued 10 points since his arrival at Elland Road, crucially including three wins over fellow relegation rivals Southampton, Wolves, and Forest.
Are their comparison between Bielsa and Gracia at Leeds?
Speaking in his post-match press conference, via Phil Hay, Gracia outlined that the result was the players doing, not his own, he said: “Gracia on his impact so far (10 points, five games): ‘I do my job. The protagonists are the players’.”
Hay added that he believes the comment from Gracia was very much like former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, he added: “That sounds remarkably like someone else.”
What has Gracia said since the Forest victory?
Hay also outlined Gracia’s comments on Leeds going behind, he said: “The reaction was perfect. I’m really proud.”
He then went on to talk up the defending and the resilience shown by his players in the second half, he added: “The key to the game was the way we focused.”
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They certainly don’t have the same style of play, but Gracia not wanting to take the credit and instead leaving it to his players is very Bielsa-like.
He’s been a breath of fresh air so far, and Leeds fans will be delighted with his start to life at Elland Road.
He is already in the frame to be in charge for longer, considering the way things are going currently. The board will be keen to keep him if results continue the way they have been going.
Leeds need to stay up first, but he’s already become more popular than his predecessor, even if not as popular as Bielsa yet.