Guillem Ballague reveals behind-the-scenes insight as Leeds United appoint Javi Gracia
Guillem Ballague has waxed lyrical over new Leeds United manager Javi Gracia who will now be Jesse Marsch’s successor at the club.
The Whites made an official announcement that he will be joining on a flexible contract as they hope he will get a work permit in time for the Southampton clash.
Ballague claims that Gracia isn’t rigid towards a playing style and instead adapts to the players he’s got at his disposal.
He wrote on the BBC, “Javi Gracia is a manager that doesn’t have just one style, he adapts to the types of players he has.
“That is why he will work very well for Watford or Leeds. Because if they have to become more defensive, he will be able to adjust that, if they need more goals, he will also be able to do it in training.
“I have been to see him a few times in old jobs and he develops a very close relationship with players, he was a player himself at the top level.
“And he knows what is required. He is quiet when has to be, raises his voice when he has to. He convinces players by working with them, not by imposing his personality. He reads a game very well especially during games – he is a great reader of games.”
Right one for the job?
A good chunk of this squad has been built by Marcelo Bielsa and the rest by Jesse Marsch – two managers who have similar styles of play.
There may be some nuances in the way they set up off the ball, but the core principles are to win the ball high up the pitch and play at a high tempo with quick vertical play from back to front.
Gracia also likes to play that brand of football but at the same time, does not mind setting his teams up to play a more counter-attacking style either.
This can be important as Leeds cannot expect to dominate possession in many games they play in the Premier League.
If he manages to strengthen them defensively, it will go a long way towards achieving safety this season and we’re counting on the Spaniard to deliver.
It remains to be seen whether the club decides to stick or twist at the end of the season if he manages to keep them up.
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