Javi Gracia has been anointed the 'chosen one' tasked with keeping Leeds United in the Premier League on a flexible contract. The Spaniard was named as Jesse Marsch's replacement following a lengthy search for a new head coach.
Defeat to Everton at the weekend forced the Whites hierarchy into a decision, with the former Valencia, Malaga and Watford boss handed the reigns. However, it was during his time in his native country where he really made his mark.
Having started out coaching with Villareal's youth set-up, promotions in Spain would follow as well as time in Greece. Despite a 21-month spell with the Hornets in England, his general coaching style and man management remains somewhat of a mystery.
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A look at some statistics from the new Whites boss might suggest further struggles are on the horizon, but the 52-year-old has managed in some difficult scenarios, including that at Watford and Valencia. Leeds Live spoke with Paco Polit of La Liga Lowdown for an insight into Gracia's tenure in Spain, with focus on his time at Valencia.
What sort of manager is he?
Paco Polit: "My experience with Gracia is limited to the single season he spent at Valencia, which was heavily affected by the issues with the owner (Peter Lim) and his lack of respect for the promises made to the coach both in the summer and the winter transfer market.
"In the former, Gracia took a role in the negotiations for some deals, as a bid for Ettiene Capoue, but ultimately Peter Lim rejected spending €2 million on the player. In October 2020, Gracia gave up mentally on the season as he realized that he had been duped; selling Kondogbia to Atletico Madrid, even after he expressed disagreement, was the last straw.
"From that point onwards, Gracia was very passive towards the squad and towards his job, so I can't really assess how his real performance could've been."
What style of play could Leeds United supporters expect?
PP: "Based on the first couple of months at Valencia (when he actually seemed invested in the club, before getting betrayed), Gracia favours a very balanced team which is able to work together at the back and become a tight unit, and then explore some offensive choice based on the individuals with highest success on take-ons.
"He actually played Yunus Musah as a starter a couple of times (the midfielder hadn't had the chance to date) and based most of the attacking success on Gonçalo Guedes' inspiration."
Is it fair to say Almeria was his best stint as a manager in Spain, given his high win percentage?
PP: "I'd actually say that his best stint took place at Malaga's bench, not only if we check the results but also by developing a recognizable playstyle over there. Possibly his best two seasons in LaLiga."
He's not quite been able to crack the top flight, but achieved respectable finishes with Malaga, was this his best spell as a La Liga boss?
PP: "As I said, his Malaga punched above its weight for the most part of the two years he spent there. Very, very close to European spots both times, finishing 9th and 8th but fighting for those places most of the time."
How did he fare at Valencia? Was his sacking expected?
PP: "Results began worsening from January onwards, after Valencia failed once again to strengthen the squad: Gracia was granted three loaned players (Oliva, Cutrone and Ferro), which he actually didn't use that much.
"Plenty of draws and defeats ensued, and with only a handful of games remaining and Valencia in danger of falling into the relegation zone, he was sacked in May 2021. He left the club that month, but his mind had lost faith in the club more than six months earlier."
Do you think he can keep Leeds in the Premier League?
PP: "Don't really know if he can have an immediate impact in a squad, as he really doesn't sport a big personality as a manager, he's much more the quieter, analytical, methodical type.
"He might bring to the table a tighter defence or a couple of predetermined set-pieces which can unlock tricky games, but I believe the best reference in this case is his time at Watford. Can he pull it off?
"Sure! I doubt managing Leeds is more difficult than enduring a whole season of the Peter Lim scenario we have over here."
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