Reacquaintances will have to wait and a text message will have to suffice, but experience teaches Rodrigo Leeds United are in good hands with Javi Gracia. The Whites ended their search for Jesse Marsch’s permanent successor with the appointment of the Spaniard on Tuesday, but the wait goes on for a formal introduction to the players.
While Gracia has to wait for the paperwork on his work permit to go through before getting to officially work with the squad, Rodrigo is the one player in the United camp with previous, if limited, experience working under him. Gracia was in charge at Valencia during the summer Rodrigo wanted to move to Elland Road.
There were just two or three weeks of pre-season training with the former Watford chief, but the Spain international, who has already reached out with a message of congratulations, remains grateful for Gracia’s understanding in a difficult situation. The striker wanted to leave right when the new head coach was getting his feet under the table.
