Tim Sherwood says Javi Gracia is a good manager, but the size of the task ahead of him at Leeds may overwhelm him.
Gracia ended Leeds search for a replacement for Jesse Marsch, who was sacked by the club earlier this month. The Whites were on a poor run with just two wins in their last 17 games under the American.
Leeds confirmed the appointment of the 52-year-old on Tuesday. Gracia comes with Premier League experience, having managed to keep Watford in the top flight in 2019 while leading them to their first FA Cup final in 35 years.
Tim Sherwood admits the Spaniard is a good fit, but warns that relegation is a different challenge:
“He’s done a good job, he knows the Premier League. Anyone who lasts that long at Watford is obviously a decent enough manager,” Sherwood said on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special.
“He kept them [Watford] in the Premier League against the odds, took them to a cup final. So I think he’s a good fit. I really do, but only time will tell.
“It’s a huge football club. It’s a lot bigger than what he’s been used to previously. And he’ll soon find that out. But hopefully he can get them playing in the right way, on the front foot and use that huge, fantastic fanbase up there of Leeds as the 12th man.”
Gracia will be expected to be in the dugout for his first game in charge against Southampton this weekend.
