Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that having spoken to those in and around Leeds United behind the scenes, there are comparisons drawn between Leeds boss Javi Gracia and Marcelo Bielsa – in his “no-nonsense” approach.
Gracia has come in at Leeds in a worrying time for the club, and instilled a sense of calmness. He has made a great start in terms of results – winning two of his four Premier League games and going from the bottom three, to 14th.
The Spanish gaffer is different, tactically, to Jesse Marsch and Bielsa. Instead of all-out attack, constant pressing and relentless work rate – Gracia has instilled defensive solidity, setting traps and pressing when pressing is needed.
Now of course, it is early days and next up is Arsenal at The Emirates. Probably the hardest game in the Premier League right now. But there is a positivity at Elland Road. Hay has said there is a likeness between Gracia and Bielsa.
“It is interesting. Speaking to people about Gracia, they’re not trying to compare him with Bielsa, but they see traits in him that are recognisable. He has this mix of firm and fair. He is a nice guy, easy to warm to, but no nonsense.”
Hay says there are comparisons between Leeds boss Gracia and Bielsa
If there are comparisons needed, then they were not tactical. Playing in the way Bielsa, or Marsch had done would have seen Leeds suffer relegation – or go incredibly close, as they did last season before a 2-1 win at Brentford.
The likeness needed between Gracia and Bielsa was the ability to instill confidence, a calmness, but also the quality to get the best out of his players. To make it clear that he is the boss, and it is his way – or you are not in the team.
Right now, it is working for Leeds and with games coming up against the likes of Forest, West Ham, Leicester, Palace and Bournemouth – Leeds have every chance of avoiding relegation and doing it quite comfortably.
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