San Francisco 49ers chief Paraag Marathe spotted at Elland Road for Javi Gracia Leeds United bow vs Southampton
Leeds United director and San Francisco 49ers chief Paraag Marathe has been spotted at Elland Road ahead of Javi Gracia’s first game in charge.
The Spaniard got his work permit granted just in time to take Friday’s (24 February) press conference ahead of the massive relegation six-pointer against bottom side Southampton.
And it is a sign of how important the current developments have already been, and could still be later in the day, that the prospective new owners are represented at the stadium for the game.
Sharing a photo on Twitter BBC reporter Adam Pope wrote: “Club director Paraag Marathe of the 49ers here today”.
The 49ers retain an option to take full control of the club from Andrea Radrizzani before January 2024, but the current agreement may be put in jeopardy if Leeds United are relegated [Guardian, 21 February].
Pressure situation
Gracia is finally in situ to be the face of the whole operation, and it is he who is ultimately now tasked with keeping the club in the top flight.
But it is Radrizzani and his board who are likely to be sweating as much as anyone if things don’t go according to plan against Ruben Selles’ Saints.
It goes without saying that relegation back to the Championship would be a nightmare scenario for the supporters, but in terms of the 49ers’ plans for development of the team and the stadium it would throw all sorts of elements into chaos.
And whatever the chairman is in line to make with a full sale to the 49ers is not going to stand up if the Whites are no longer a Premier League outfit.
Angus Kinnear’s programme notes on Saturday (via Pope on Twitter, 25 February) don’t portray a board who are particularly introspective about the circus of a managerial change they have presided over.
But they are going to need to have got it right with Gracia, and hope there is enough time left in the season for him to implement the necessary improvements.
The work permit delay was the icing on the cake in terms of moving on from Jesse Marsch in such a calamitous fashion, and has made the new man’s build up to this huge game sub-optimal, but however it is achieved a win would ease pressure on a lot of people.
In other Leeds United news, a talkSPORT pundit has branded the club “rudderless” and slated their playing style.