Guillem Balague has explained why Javi Gracia will be a success at Leeds United

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After a long and arduous 15 days since Jesse Marsch’s sacking, Leeds United have finally appointed a new manager as his replacement in the form of Javi Gracia until the end of the season – and Guillem Balague thinks he will be a success.

Gracia, 52, has penned a short-term deal until the end of the season – with Leeds reporting that he has signed what is termed as a “flexible contract”. The Daily Star report that there is a clause included that will see him stay, if we survive.

Plenty on the line for the ex-Watford, Valencia and Al-Sadd manager, then. The appointment has gone down well with the majority of Leeds fans. Unlike, the overriding opinion on Twitter when it came to bringing in Alfred Schreuder.

But Leeds can now focus on matters on the pitch, with Gracia appointed. The board have finally got their act together and brought in a replacement for Marsch. Balague has explained why he feels Gracia will be a success at Elland Road.

“He is a manager that doesn’t have one style, he adapts to his players. That’s why he will work well for Leeds. If they have to become more defensive, he will adjust. If they need more goals, he will do it in training,” Balague told the BBC.

“Develops a close relationship with players. He knows what is required. He is quiet when he has to be, raises his voice when he has to. Convinces players by working with them, not imposing his personality. He is a great reader of games.”

Leeds appoint Gracia: Balague thinks he will be a success at Leeds

It is a glowing verdict from a Spanish footballing expert that knows him well. Certainly, he did a very good job at Watford and the belief was that he was harshly sacked by a club that are renowned for being trigger happy.

But the ability to be able to adapt to the group of players he has is key. Leeds need to score goals. Turn chances into chances taken. The signing of Max Wober – who may be injured – is important. But he will need to tighten up, too.

So, plenty of work to do ahead of what is the small matter of a massive game against Southampton on Saturday. A Saints side that will have a renewed confidence after going to Chelsea and beating the Blues 1-0, at Stamford Bridge.