Tim Sherwood has told Soccer Special (broadcast on Sky Sports; 21/2; 19:04) that Javi Gracia is a good choice for Leeds United, but admitted that the club is much bigger than what the Spaniard is largely used to in his career.
More than two weeks on from Jesse Marsch’s sacking, Leeds have a new manager in place. It is probably fair to assume that Gracia’s name was not mentioned by any fans during the first two weeks after Marsch’s departure.
But the pursuit of a new boss has been turbulent, to put it mildly. The feeling amongst the fanbase was almost one of exhaustion as the club announced that Gracia had been given the job.
Sherwood thinks Gracia could be successful at Leeds
It is probably fair to say that the appointment has not exactly captured the imagination. However, most appear to feel that the 52-year-old is a better option than some of the names who have been in contention.
He is not a complete stranger to the Premier League, having previously managed Watford. And Sherwood thinks that he has the potential to be a good choice for the Whites in their battle to beat the drop.
“He’s done a good job, he knows the Premier League. Anyone who lasts that long at Watford is obviously a decent enough manager,” he told Soccer Special.
“He kept them in the Premier League against the odds, took them to a cup final. So I think he’s a good fit. I really do, but only time will tell.
“It’s a huge football club. It’s a lot bigger than what he’s been used to previously. And he’ll soon find that out. But hopefully he can get them playing in the right way, on the front foot and use that huge, fantastic fanbase up there of Leeds as the 12th man.”
Everything feels uncertain while we await first game under new boss
There is going to be a huge sense of intrigue ahead of Leeds’ first game under Gracia. The Whites take on Southampton in a clash that pits the Premier League’s bottom two against each other.
Obviously, we hope that Gracia hits the ground running in a way that evokes memories of that game when Marcelo Bielsa’s men ripped Stoke City apart and put the Championship on notice.
But we have to be realistic. Gracia has significantly less time to work with his players. And he is taking over a side which appears to have no confidence left.
It is going to be a huge task. And he would not be blamed a huge amount if Leeds were relegated. But there is perhaps reason to hold out some hope.
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