Anthony Onifade

Thu 23 February 2023 7:10, UK

New Leeds United boss Javi Gracia could be forced to watch his new side’s crucial crunch clash with Southampton on Saturday from the stands due to his lack of a work permit, according to the Daily Mirror.

The West Yorkshire outfit announced the former Watford coach as their new manager [21 February] following the sacking of Jesse Marsch [February 6].

The Whites face a crucial game with fellow relegation-threatened Southampton on Saturday, with Gracia expected to make a swift impression, but he may now miss the encounter.

According to the Mirror [22 February], the Spaniard doesn’t have the required documentation to even take training and Michael Skubala who took interim charge for their last three games could take the reins once again.

The report claims: “Gracia could be forced to watch Saturday’s game from the stands due to his lack of a work permit. He also needs that documentation to take charge of training, with caretaker boss Skubala and his colleagues forced to step in once again.”

Huge blow

Leeds are in desperate need of three points against Southampton this Saturday and not having their new manager in the dugout will not do any of the player’s confidence and morale any good.

Skubala has struggled to make the required change within the Whites camp since Marsch’s sacking, and he certainly hasn’t been helped by the club board’s slow attempts to announce a successor.

In what is a game that could define the club’s season and position in the Premier League, to not have their new boss leading them out in front of their own fans is a huge blow.

Now, their chances of claiming a priceless victory – their first since early November have simply taken a huge dent. The onus is on the players to grab the initiative and impress the new boss, as they well could be playing for their futures in the coming weeks.

In other Leeds United news, a managerial decision has been made for the crucial bottom-of-the-table clash between the Whites and Southampton.