The impending appointment of former Watford, Valencia and Malaga coach Javi Gracia at Leeds United has taken La Liga expert Terry Gibson by ‘surprise’, speaking to talkSPORT (21 February, 1.30pm) ahead of the Spaniard’s Premier League return.
That Leeds only turned to Gracia after failed approaches for the likes of Andoni Iraola, Alfred Schreuder and Arne Slot – talks collapsing for a variety of reasons – may bring to mind the deal that brought Nuno Espirito Santo to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2021.
Gracia, like Nuno, was far from the number one choice. And, without a club after brief spell at Qatari outfit Al Sadd, the cynics will point out that beggars cannot be choosers; Leeds turning to an out-of-work 52-year-old out of desperation as the threat of relegation rises.
But such an argument, while not entirely inaccurate, does a disservice to Gracia’s quality and reputation.
The Pamplona-born tactician guided Watford to 11th – their best-ever Premier League finish – and an FA Cup final in 2018/19. His sacking, just a few weeks into the following season, was met with a largely mutinous reaction. Malaga, now a second-tier club, punched well above their weight under Gracia too; regular fixtures in the top half of the La Liga table.
So while Gracia was not the first name on Leeds’ wishlist, that does not mean he won’t prove to be an inspired appointment for a club crying out for direction and a clear, coherent plan.
Leeds United set for short-term Javi Gracia appointment
“He has shown, before he came to the Premier League, that he’s a more than decent manager. Hence the reason he got the chance to manage Valenica,” says Gibson; former Tottenham forward and co-host of the excellent El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
Gracia’s one and only season at the Mestalla ‘should not be held against him’, Gibson adds. The likes of Cesare Prandelli, Marcelino Garcia Toral, Ernesto Valverde and even Nuno did not last too long at Los Che either.
“It’s a surprise choice. (Leeds have chosen Gracia) probably because (director) Victor Orta is Spanish. He might have a relationship with Garcia, and a knowledge of what he can do,” Gibson adds.
“Hes a good coach but it’s a tough job though. It is a big ask.”
Leeds, the Daily Mail say, will hand Gracia an initial short-term deal until the summer.
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