Leeds United manager Javi Gracia
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani is still keeping his options open regarding the managerial situation at Elland Road, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Gracia in charge for now
The Whites have suffered another tough season in the Premier League, once again battling relegation after surviving by the skin of their teeth last time around.
Leeds find themselves sitting 14th in the table with 11 matches remaining, with Javi Garcia coming in and doing an impressive job as the club’s manager on a short-team deal.
The Spaniard replaced the departed Jesse Marsch after the American struggled to ever properly get going in charge, and Saturday’s 4-2 win away to Wolves was one of the most important results of the campaign to date.
Gracia is only currently in the Elland Road hot seat until the end of the season, at which point Leeds will have a big decision to make regarding the situation.
The Latest: Radrizzani keeping options ‘open’
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Gracia would likely get the job if Leeds stay up but Radrizzani and the 49ers are continuing to keep their cards close to their chest:
“We know that Andoni Iraola was a top choice, but there was no ability to get a deal done with Rayo Vallecano and Iraola wasn’t that intent on leaving mid-season either.
“There are lots of moving parts with Leeds at the moment, and the best way for Gracia to get the job beyond this season is to keep Leeds up.
“But I think all options are being kept open at this stage.”
The Verdict: Massive few months
In fairness to Gracia, it would be a huge surprise if he kept Leeds in the Premier League and was then disposed of by Radrizzani, given the job he would have done.
Assuming he wants to stay on as boss, keeping him in charge makes perfect sense, as the Whites look for some stability under a manager with genuine pedigree, having guided Watford to the 2019 FA Cup final.
Should Leeds go down, things could be different, in truth, while Radrizzani and the new 49ers group are understandably planning for a scenario where Gracia ends up not wanting to extend his stay at Elland Road.
As things stand, though, he is doing enough to guide the Whites to safety come May, and given the positive results he is picking up, the supporters will surely be perfectly content to see him remain as manager this summer and beyond.
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