Leeds United head coach Javi Gracia has done his best to make the most out of what has been a challenging international break. The head coach could do little but watch on as a host of senior names left camp to link up with their national teams last week to leave him with a severely reduced group at Thorp Arch.
Of course, Gracia was keen to see those left behind get some much-needed rest at this crucial stage of the Premier League season and he did give them time to recharge their batteries. But, he also got through some work on the training ground, building up the fitness of those returning from injuries such as Rodrigo and Luis Sinisterra and making the improvements needed, on a collective and individual basis, for the run-in.
The Spaniard also took the opportunity to get to grips with some of those currently working their way through the academy system by bringing them into the senior environment. Gracia has taken an interest in the club’s Under-21s since arriving in February and after watching Paco Gallardo’s side in action earlier this month, he spent time on the training ground with them during the break before turning his full attention to this weekend’s fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
