Leeds hire Javi Gracia as new head coach after the termination of Jesse Marsch.
Leeds United have ended a protracted search for a new manager after announcing that they have reached an agreement with Javi Gracia to become the next head coach subject to obtaining a work permit.
The position became available after American manager Jesse Marsch was relieved of his duties; he will now be replaced by Gracia, a Premier League-experienced manager who has coached at Watford for over 50 games over three seasons.
Leeds find new manager
Leeds announced today via their official channels that they have reached an agreement with the Spaniard to become the club's head coach, provided he is issued a work permit.
The announcement comes after a lengthy search for Marsch's replacement and hitting several roadblocks along the way, as they were unable to land many of their initial choices.
The cub revealed that Gracia signed a flexible contract, as they are currently working on getting him a work permit, and should he get the necessary documentation, he is expected to be in the dugout when Leeds host Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds get an experienced manager
The 52-year-old Spaniard is a vastly experienced manager who has been at the helm of many clubs in the European top five leagues and beyond.
Gracia has overseen over 140 games as coach in LaLiga, managing Osasuna, Malaga, and Valencia. He went on to coach Russian giants Rubin Kazan, and his last appointment was as Xavi’s replacement at Al-Sadd after the Spaniard took the Barcelona job.
He is a manager who knows the Premier League very well, having taken over the role at Watford in the middle of the 2017/18 season and managing to stave off relegation. He was also in charge for the entire 2018/19 season, guiding the Hornets to a midtable finish. He was fired the following season after going four games without a win.
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