Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on Friday, February 24.
Southampton make managerial decision ahead of Leeds United clash
Although it is still uncertain as to whether Javi Gracia will lead the Whites on Saturday afternoon, Southampton have now confirmed that they will have their new head coach in place ahead of kick-off at Elland Road. A club statement announced that the Saints have decided to stick with Ruben Selles as their manager for the rest of the season.
Selles has taken charge of the club following Nathan Jones' sacking and led the south coast side to a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week. Leeds, who are without a top-flight win since November, will be hoping that they can claim a vital three points in front of their home crowd - regardless of who is in their dugout.
ALSO READ: Javi Gracia's Leeds United work permit explained as Whites boss faces Southampton uncertainty
Under Michael Skubala, Leeds have put in spirited performances against Manchester United and they may well be turning to him once again if Gracia's work permit is not approved in time.
Javi Gracia's press conference agenda
Leeds United will host their weekly press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Southampton at the foot of the table. Javi Gracia was appointed as head coach on Tuesday, but the club had made clear paperwork on his work permit remained outstanding at that point.
There has been nothing official from Elland Road since the announcement, but assuming Gracia will be permitted to hold his first briefing there are a number of topics on the agenda. Here is a run-down of the subjects he may be asked about if he’s in the hotseat.
Backroom team
Earlier this week, LeedsLive reported Zigor Aranalde, Juan Solla and Mikel Antia were expected to follow Gracia into Thorp Arch. The new head coach could be asked to confirm those appointments and what roles they will fulfil under his leadership at Leeds.
Southampton insider points out Leeds United path to victory
Leeds United return to Elland Road on Saturday to take on Southampton in what is undoubtedly their biggest game of the season so far. Win and Leeds could move out of the bottom three, lose and they will hit rock bottom in the Premier League table.
Ahead of the clash, Leeds Live spoke to Hampshire Live’s Southampton reporter Mark Wyatt to get the inside track on the Saints.
Southampton are bottom of the league and they’ll travel to Leeds without a permanent manager. Sum up the mood around St Mary’s at the minute…
Ruben Selles has been at the club since August so he worked under Ralf Hasenhuttl and Nathan Jones and now he’s got his chance to step up and the club seem to be fairly happy with him doing that at the moment. The result at Chelsea has massively helped that, just a second clean sheet of the season, a second Premier League win since October.
READ NEXT:
What Government plans for new independent regulator mean for Leeds United and other clubs
Ex-Newcastle United coach can give Javi Gracia's Leeds United vital edge in relegation battle
Four Leeds United Premier League fixtures chosen for TV including Liverpool with new dates set
Leeds United boss Javi Gracia's record vs Premier League relegation rivals
Javi Gracia 'will work very well' at Leeds United insists Spanish football expert
