Sam Stone

Tue 21 February 2023 21:04, UK

Leeds United do not expect any hold-up with Javi Gracia’s work permit after the Spaniard was announced as the club’s new head coach, according to The Telegraph.

The 40-year-old was confirmed as Jesse Marsch’s successor at Elland Road on Tuesday afternoon, 15 days after the sacking of the American.

The Telegraph claim the Spaniard was at Thorp Arch on Tuesday afternoon to meet the players and staff despite not being allowed to take training.

“Leeds do not expect any hold-up with the work permit applications and Gracia even attended the club’s Thorp Arch training ground on Tuesday to meet players and staff, although he was not allowed to participate in active training with his new team,” wrote The Telegraph (21 February).

Finally

It’s good to see Leeds’ hunt for a head coach finally come to an end. Gracia certainly wasn’t the name everyone was expecting to be given the role at Elland Road, but everyone associated with the club will be a lot happier heading into this weekend’s huge Premier League clash against Southampton.

The Saints head to Elland Road bottom of the Premier League but could leapfrog the Whites with three points at the weekend. The former Watford boss was dealt a tough hand at Vicarage Road and seems to have what it takes to be a Premier League boss.

The players also need to shoulder some of the responsibility. They’ve shown at times that they are more than capable of competing against the best in the league, and now is the time for them to put a consistent run of form together.

Unfortunately for the new head coach, he doesn’t have the luxury of time. A win is a requirement on Saturday and anything less will leave their Premier League status hanging by a thread.

In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.

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