Javi Gracia takes the managerial reins at Leeds United

    Former Watford boss Javi Gracia has been named as the new Leeds United manager on a "flexible" contract, subject to obtaining a work permit.

    Javi Gracia Image credit: Getty Images Javi Gracia

    The 52-year-old Spaniard, who led the Hornets to the 2019 FA Cup final, has signed what Leeds described as a "flexible" contract to replace Marsch, who was sacked just over two weeks ago.

    Gracia, who has managed 12 clubs in a little over 16 years, became Leeds' 13th head coach in less than 10 years.

    Leeds slipped into the Premier League relegation zone for the first time this season after Saturday's defeat at Everton and face bottom club Southampton in Gracia's first game in charge at Elland Road on Saturday.

    Marsch was sacked earlier this month after a defeat at Nottingham Forest, with under-21s manager Michael Skubala placed in interim charge for the last three games.

    Gracia has been out of work since leaving Al Sadd in June, but did well in his previous spell in England, taking the Hornets to the 2019 FA Cup final and securing an 11th-placed finish in the league before being sacked just four games into the following season.

    His appointment ends a lengthy search for Marsch's replacement, with the club having been linked with Andoni Iraola, Arne Slot and Alfred Schreuder.

     

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