Jason Cundy drops ‘desperate’ Leeds United verdict after Javi Gracia appointment news
Jason Cundy believes Javi Gracia “ticks a lot of boxes” for Leeds United after the Whites announced the Spaniard as their new head coach.
The Elland Road board have moved quickly after Saturday’s defeat to Everton and the 40-year-old has signed a “flexible” contract at Elland Road (The Athletic’s Phil Hay, via Twitter, 21 February).
Cundy has since reacted to the news and has suggested the Yorkshire side were “desperate” to get a new manager in place for Saturday’s clash against Southampton (25 February).
“From memory, I am trying to recall exactly, but it did seem at the time like a bit of a strange decision to get rid of him when they did,” said Cundy (talkSPORT, 21 February).
“Leeds are desperate right now and they have to have a manager in place. Even though they got a result at your place [Manchester United] the two subsequent games have not gone their way.
“Of course, there’s the relegation six-pointer this weekend when they play Southampton and it’s a game they can ill afford to lose. So the decision to bring in a manager who wants the job, who has managed in the Premier League before and has got a team out of trouble. He ticks a lot of boxes.”
Right call
This does feel like the right move from the board. Their initial hunt for a new head coach was severely criticised and rightly so. More groundwork should have been laid down before Jesse Marsch was relieved of his duties and considering the lack of options available, Gracia does feel like the right choice.
He was unfairly treated at Watford and should not have been sacked when he was – which can be said for a number of managers who have been employed at Vicarage Road. Furthermore, the fact the Spaniard has been appointed on a flexible contract allows the board plenty of wriggle room in the summer if things don’t go to plan.
There were other managers who were higher on their wish list, and those could well be revisited in the summer when their league status has been confirmed for the 2023/24 campaign.
The importance of this weekend’s clash against the Saints cannot be underestimated. Southampton are coming off an impressive win against Chelsea and will be a stern test in Gracia’s first game despite their league position.
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