CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has told Give Me Sport that Andrea Radrizzani and the Leeds United board remain open-minded about the future of Javi Gracia – or, appointing a new manager at Elland Road. It is still up in the air.
Gracia, 52, has made an excellent start as Leeds manager. Taking over from Jesse Marsch, the Spaniard had five games before the international break. Four in the League, one in the FA Cup. The Leeds players looked beleaguered.
But the ex-Watford manager guided Leeds to a win over Southampton in his first game. FA Cup defeat to Fulham was disappointing, but hardly a priority. A 1-0 loss to Chelsea was followed by a respectable point against Brighton.
Then, the best moment of his short Leeds spell came away at Wolves – securing a brilliant 4-2 away win. Leeds were deserving of it too, not scraping past Wolves and riding their luck – as was the way during Jesse Marsch’s era.
Gracia was appointed on a ‘flexible contract’ with Leeds missing out on a number of targets, including Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola. It is unclear what happens if Gracia keeps Leeds up. Jacobs said the board are undecided.
“There are lots of moving parts with Leeds at the moment, and the best way for Gracia to get the job beyond this season is to keep Leeds up. But I think all options are being kept open at this stage,” Jacobs told Give Me Sport.
Jacobs: Radrizzani and Leeds board open-minded about Gracia future
If Gracia keeps Leeds in the Premier League, and does so with a flourish, then Leeds simply have to keep the Spanish boss in the dugout. It is hardly as if we are playing a dull football – scoring six times in the last two games.
What Gracia has brought tactically, is a balance between attack and defence which was clearly needed. In terms of morale in the squad, Ian Wright thinks the Leeds players look more together. If he keeps us up, he deserves to stay.
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