Leeds United players may not be happy as Javi Gracia appears to confirm Chris Armas exit
Javi Gracia has appeared to give Chris Armas the boot at Leeds United, with Phil Hay sharing that the American has been sidelined with an exit likely.
Armas was only appointed as an assistant coach to Jesse Marsch in January but now looks to be on his way out in West Yorkshire, with more American influence left behind.
This may have a kick-on effect on the likes of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Brenden Aaronson who may not be pleased with the sudden chop of their compatriot.
“Chris Armas has been sidelined from Javi Gracia’s new backroom staff at Leeds United, just weeks after joining the club,” said Hay as quoted by The Athletic. (9 March)
“Speaking at a press conference ahead of Leeds’ home game against Brighton on Saturday, Gracia confirmed: ‘He’s not part of my staff. He’s not here. It’s something the club can maybe explain better.'”
It’s a strong decision to make from Gracia and in the brutal world of modern football you’d expect nothing less from a top-class European manager, but it will be interesting to see just how the Americans of the team react.
Potential fallout?
The abrupt nature of Gracia’s comments seems to suggest that he never wanted Armas at the club, despite the club keeping him on past Marsch leaving.
This could leave the likes of Adams, McKennie and Aaronson disgruntled with the treatment of Armas, especially after the sacking of Marsch in recent months, who brought them to the club.
It’s more than likely that the American trio would have had some form of relationship with Armas and this could make scenes within the group more challenging for Gracia moving forward.
Nevertheless, they can’t be too annoyed with Gracia over this decision, Armas’ appointment was never his choice and this is more another embarrassing moment for the Leeds United board.
Why did they let Marsch appoint a number 2 when they knew they would likely be sacking the American just weeks later?
The only loser in all this is Armas, who has clearly had his time completely wasted by the Leeds United board in their decision to appoint him.
It’s time to move on.
In other Leeds United news, the club may now face a losing battle to keep their star player at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
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