Javi Gracia has indicated that he may bring in a three-man backline at Leeds United ahead of Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash with relegation rivals Southampton at Elland Road, speaking via the club’s YouTube channel.
If his introductory press conference is anything to go by, Gracia seems to have more in common with Marcelo Bielsa than Jesse Marsch. You can expect fewer buzzwords and references to Ghandi, and more tactical insight from a modest, soft-spoken head coach.
The former Watford boss, who will be in the dugout this weekend after finally obtaining a work permit, takes over on a short team deal until the summer. One that could be extended if he does what Marsch did a year ago, and saves Leeds from the dreaded drop.
Gracia, meanwhile, is a flexible tactician not wedded to any particular style. His Malaga side punched above their weight due to a fine defensive record; keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 away win against a Barcelona side wielding Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi back in 2016.
His Watford side, in contrast, conceded a lot but scored a lot too; FA Cup finalists and comfortable mid-table finishers in 2018/19.
Javi Gracia set for Leeds debut vs Southampton
It remains to be seen which approach Gracia opts for at Leeds, with the 52-year-old Spaniard refusing to rule out moving away from the flat-back four preferred by Marsch. Leeds, Football Critic say, have not used a back-three all season, in any competition.
“We want to play well (against Southampton),” Gracia explains. “We have to play in the way that the players feel comfortable. In a way the players feel secure.
“We need to see the balance (of the team). Then, we’ll decide; 4-4-2, 3-4-3, or 3-5-2.”
Gracia, it seems, is a coach from the Carlo Ancelotti school of thought. One who adapts to his players, rather than expecting his players to adapt to him.
“First, you have to analyse the team. Then, try and find the balance” Gracia adds, indicating that stopping a flow of concessions is likely to be at the top of his to-do list.
“In my opinion, the team is conceding goals and you have to improve that. To improve that, it’s not to be more defensive but to find a balance. There are different things to improve but I know we don’t have much time. We have time to work on it and give the players the solution.
“I love different teams playing different ways. There’s no bad game. I’m open to finding a way my players feel comfortable.”
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