Leeds: Javi Gracia will want ‘long-term’ Whites deal

New Leeds United manager Javi Gracia will want his stay at Elland Road to be a ‘long-term’ one, according to an update from reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Gracia takes charge

The 52-year-old was appointed the Whites’ new boss earlier this week and is tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League after a disappointing season.

Leeds currently sit in the relegation zone and a return to the Championship would be an enormous blow, both in terms of their on-the-pitch ambitions and financial situation.

Gracia has joined on a rolling contract, so there is no guarantee that he will be with the Whites beyond this season.

The Latest: Hay makes key claim

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic, however, Hay said that he believes the Spaniard will want to stay at Leeds for a long time:

“I doubt he’ll see it as a free hit so much. Despite what he said yesterday, he’ll want this to go well and to lead to a more long-term deal.”

The Verdict: Massive few months

This really does feel like a defining period in Leeds’ recent history, with every remaining game having to be treated like a cup final in the relegation battle.

Gracia could be an inspired appointment, having won the Qatari Stars League title with Al-Sadd in 2021/22, outlining the winning mentality he possesses.

Given his pedigree, it is hard to see him wanting to manage in the Championship if Leeds do go down but the hope is that he takes his players up a level and inspires them to safety.

Stability is required after a disappointing period under Jesse Marsch and Gracia could be the man the guide the Whites into more positive times moving forward, having already managed 56 times in the Premier League.

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Henry Jackson

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