Leeds Utd have appointed Spanish manager Javi Gracia as they finally settle on a new boss amid links to Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
The Elland Road club have appointed the former Watford manager to replace outgoing Jesse Marsch, the USA coach having been sacked with the club in the middle of a relegation battle.
Leeds Utd remain one of British football’s biggest clubs and are only in their third season back in the top flight after 16 years wrestling in the Championship amid financial mismanagement and poor on-pitch decisions.
Now, Javi Gracia – a former Real Sociedad and Villarreal defensive midfielder who has also managed in Spain, Greece, Russia and Saudi Arabia – will be tasked with staving off a costly demotion.
“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,” reads a Leeds statement.
“The experienced 52-year-old has agreed a flexible contract at Elland Road.
“Born in Spain, Gracia had a successful playing career for Valladolid, Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Cordoba.
“Since retiring and moving into management, he has taken charge of a number of teams in Europe including Osasuna, Malaga, Watford and Valencia.
“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.”
Javi Gracia appointed at Leeds Utd
The appointment also comes amid strong links between iconic former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and the Leeds Utd vacancy.
The former Ibrox boss is no stranger to British footballing giants having played with Liverpool before managing Rangers and combined with Gary MacAllister’s Leeds Utd links, the pair appeared a solid shout.
But as things have transpired it will be Javi Gracia and not Rangers hero Steven Gerrard taking charge of Leeds Utd in their hunt to remain in the Premier League.
However, that hasn’t stopped Steven Gerrard being linked to one of the global game’s most high-profile jobs.
