Sam Stone

Sun 30 April 2023 21:40, UK

Pressure is growing on Javi Gracia after Leeds United were humiliated 4-1 by Bournemouth on Sunday, according to The Athletic.

The Spaniard saw his side once again capitulate to give Gary O’Neil’s men a memorable win at the Vitality Stadium. Two goals from Jefferson Lerma, a Dominic Solanke strike and a late finish from Antoine Semenyo saw the Cherries to a comprehensive victory.

Gracia admitted after the game that he might not be entrusted to take charge of the Whites’ remaining games, with Manchester City up next (BBC reporter Adam Pope shared on Twitter, 30 April).

The Athletic have since suggested (30 April) that the pressure on the Spaniard’s shoulders is mounting after a number of damaging defeats.

Gamble

Leeds should almost certainly be looking to gamble when it comes to the managerial situation. The players have given up on Gracia, and it’s easy to understand why. He’s not going to be here next season, so why will they buy into his methods? It’s the board’s mismanagement which has led to this complete mess.

In fact, removing Gracia from his position wouldn’t even be much of a gamble. He isn’t going to turn things around. The obvious choice would be to give the job back to Michael Skubala for the remaining fixtures and pray that he could get something out of the squad.

A reaction is needed. A reaction has been required for weeks and we are still waiting. Instead, we are just going from humiliation to humiliation. Remarkably, Leeds are somehow still outside the relegation zone, with their fate still in their own hands.

While their destiny can still be determined by what they do on the pitch, making a change in the dugout could well be the last throw of the dice for Victor Orta.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a surgery update that could rule another Elland Road ace out for months.