Alan Shearer has claimed that new Leeds United manager Javi Gracia faces a "very difficult" task to keep the Whites in the Premier League this season.
More than two-weeks after Jesse Marsch's dismissal following a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Gracia was finally confirmed as Leeds' new head coach on Tuesday afternoon. The Spaniard will have to hit the ground running as his first game in charge for the Whites is a vital relegation clash against Southampton.
The Saints are one-point below Leeds and could leapfrog Gracia's side with a win at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. However, if Leeds claim all three points for the first time since November, they could potentially move out of the relegation zone depending on West Ham and Bournemouth's results.
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Speaking ahead of the crunch match, Shearer has shared his thoughts on Gracia's appointments and although he saw the merits behind his arrival, the former Newcastle man has warned the 52-year-old of how challenging a task it will be to keep Leeds in the top-flight.
"They had to do something and they had to do it quickly, because after their performance at the weekend against Everton - I watched them - they were hopeless," Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"They looked devoid of any ideas, they didn't have a goal threat at all, so they had to go out and appoint someone.
"He has Premier League experience and he is available. He doesn't demand a long contract that perhaps others who were looking at the job and wanting. He has one job and that job is to try and keep them up - it is going to be very, very difficult."
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