Leeds United spent three seasons in the Premier League when they were last promoted in 2020. Marcelo Bielsa guided a mix of interesting player profiles to the English top flight after a long time away.
But, the Argentine boss’ time at the club came to an end after over one season. When they team were hovering around the relegation zone after a poor run of form, Leeds pulled the trigger. Jesse Marsch then took charge and guided the Whites to safety that year.
Marsch was then backed heavily that summer, being allowed to bring in a bunch of Red Bull products. In came the likes of Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United defenders?
Javi Gracia speaks about his time at Elland Road
Javi Gracia Credit: Imago
The summer spend did not work out as Marsch was also shown the door during the season. Javi Gracia then took over after Michael Skubala handled the team for three games as caretaker manager. Gracia came after the transfer window and thus had to work with the options available to him. The 55-year old was sacked in May with four games left in the season, with Leeds feeling Sam Allardyce could rescue relegation with four league games left.
Javi Gracia recently returned to Watford as head coach, and has been speaking about his time at Elland Road:
“I try to manage always more or less the same,” Gracia told Watford’s website in an interview.
“Not the same, but I try to manage the same way. Working hard, being dedicated, and trying to live the moment with passion, with desire, all these kinds of things.”
Gracia then said that in situations like at Leeds a few years ago, moments could decide games. He referenced one Patrick Bamford missed chance as an example.
“But the results don’t always depend on these kinds of things. Sometimes they depend on moments.
“I remember at Leeds, Patrick Bamford is a very good player, very good person.
“He had a chance in one game in the far post to score in the last minute, playing at home, centimetres to go in, go out, two points more it changes the dynamics.
“Of course, you have the live the experience in the same way but in the end the results are different.”
How did the Spaniard fare in charge of Leeds United?
Javi Gracia was in charge for just 12 games as Leeds boss. He won three of them, drew two and lost a total of seven matches. The Whites shipped 30 goals in those twelve games and averaged one point per game.
Javi Gracia games Credit: Transfermarkt
Gracia’s time at Elland Road is easily one of the more forgettable moments for fans.
