Leeds United have announced the appointment of Spaniard Javi Gracia as their new manager on a “flexible contract”, subject to obtaining a work permit.
The 52-year-old replaces Jesse Marsch, after the American was sacked on February 6 due to his inability to revive the team’s poor form.
Leeds confirmed the appointment in a statement on their website.
It read: “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.
📰 #LUFC is delighted to announce the club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 21, 2023
Gracia, who is not new to the Premier League, spent a year and nine months with Watford from January 2018 to September 2019. He led the Hornets to league safety in the 2018-19 season and also to the FA Cup final for just the second time in the club’s history.
Since leaving Watford due to a poor start to the 2019-20 season, the former Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder has had spells at Valencia in Spain and, most recently, Al Saad in Saudi Arabia, where he was until June 2022.
The Peacocks were close to agreeing a deal with former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder, but they pulled out at the last minute following a negative reaction from many fans, while their other option, Carlos Corberan, who previously worked under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, signed a new contract at West Brom.
Since Marsch’s dismissal, the Elland Road club has been led by under-21s manager Michael Skubala, who has gone winless in three games, losing to Manchester United and fellow relegation battlers Everton.
Leeds are currently 19th in the Premier League with 19 points, two off safety, and they will host bottom club Southampton in their next game on Saturday.
