According to The Athletic, Leeds are set to appoint Javi Gracia as their new Head Coach.
The Spaniard will return to management after leaving Al Sadd in June. Gracia comes with Premier League experience, having helped Watford stay in the competition back in 2018/19. He will relieve interim coach Michael Skubala of his duties till the end of the season according to the report.
Gracia famously led the Hornets to their first FA Cup final in 35 years as they faced Man City in 2019. Before the game, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the ex-Valencia coach:
“Watford and Wolves are the best teams outside of the top six,”
“They were consistent teams, Everton were up and down, Leicester finished incredibly well under Brendan Rodgers. Watford with Javi Gracia, he is an experienced manager from working in other countries.
Pep also commended Gracia of drilling his Watford team to be efficient on counter attacks and set pieces:
“They have huge talent up front, many physical players, good on set pieces and this is a final, we know what can happen. We believe a lot in ourselves and we will have to find the antidote to beat them.
When Gracia is confirmed as coach, he will have 15 games to save Leeds’ Premier League status. The Whites face Southampton this weekend.
