Javi Gracia has revealed he is sleeping for only “two or three hours” a night as he devises a blueprint to rescue Leeds from relegation and the Spaniard already seems open to altering the team’s hallmark pressing style.
The former Watford and Valencia manager was named as Jesse Marsch’s successor on Tuesday but his impact has been slowed as post-Brexit visa rules dictated he had to wait until Friday to receive a work permit.
Given that Gracia has been employed on a “flexible” contract which initially lasts only until the end of this season, he is keen to secure Leeds a first win in 11 Premier League games when bottom-placed Southampton visit on Saturday.
With his side only one point and one place better off the 52-year-old is suitably anxious to hit the ground running. “I can’t telling you anything concrete [about changing the style] yet,” said Gracia, who left Al Sadd in June despite having just led the club to the Qatari title. “But I love different teams playing different ways.
“I am open to find my players’ way. The team is conceding goals and we need to improve that. But there are some other different things to improve also. I know we don’t have much time but we need to give the players solutions. The last few days have been busy; I’ve been sleeping only two or three hours.”
It is safe to assume potential modifications to the aggressive, high-intensity pressing game introduced by Marcelo Bielsa and continued by Marsch have been one of the things keeping Gracia awake.
“I have to be clever,” he said. “I know we have to change things but, at the same time, the players don’t have time to take in too much information. The psychological part is important too, but I think the players are confident. I think everyone knows the potential of this squad and their passion and commitment. They need a good result to change the dynamic.”
Gracia appeared unconcerned about the brevity of his contract. “It’s not easy for us coaches – maybe you stay one game or for life,” he said. “But I want to try to help this team. I don’t want to be here just because I have a contract. I was looking for an opportunity like this one. I’ve had a warm welcome and I’m really excited and grateful. I want to give everyone good results.
“When I finished my job at Watford I didn’t know if I’d have another chance in the Premier League so when this appeared I didn’t have any doubts. ”
