Reservation has been the default mode for Javi Gracia in his media dealings since arriving at Leeds United. When asked about injuries, tactics or overall aims, the head coach has found discretion to be the better part of valour.
Gracia’s neither been rude nor ignorant of what has been asked, but he has smilingly played things down or simply made it clear there are some topics he would not rather speak about. He may have only been in the job, officially, for four days, but the best emotions attached to the role are already taking hold and luring Gracia out of his shell.
Each of the last three head coaches have talked about how strong the nucleus is of this Whites squad. If Marcelo Bielsa boiled the squad down to a rock-solid foundation, Jesse Marsch consistently talked up the character and spirit of the group left by the Argentine.
