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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Louise Taylor

Leeds name Javi Gracia as manager on ‘flexible’ deal to lead fight against drop

Javi Gracia during his time as manager of Watford.
Javi Gracia’s first game in charge of Leeds will be against fellow strugglers Southampton. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters

Leeds have confirmed the appointment of Javi Gracia, the former Watford and Valencia head coach, as their manager. The 52-year-old Spaniard takes over from Jesse Marsch, who was sacked just over a fortnight ago, and has agreed what the club described as a “flexible contract”. It is understood the initial commitment is to the end of the season.

Leeds are in the Premier League’s relegation zone after defeat at Everton on Saturday and turned to Gracia after failing to land other targets. A quartet of their preferred candidates, Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, West Brom’s Carlos Corberán, the former River Plate coach Marcel Gallardo and Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, proved out of reach.

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