Spanish media reacts as Javi Gracia wins first Leeds United match in 1-0 victory v Southampton
Javi Gracia’s first win as Leeds United manager has attracted attention from the media back in Spain after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Southampton.
Junior Firpo’s second-half goal was enough for the Whites to secure a huge three points to move themselves out of the Premier League’s relegation zone and pile yet further misery on 20th-placed Southampton.
Mundo Deportivo reacted to Leeds’ win by saying the “emergency” match was a “duel marked by the lack of effectiveness on both sides”.
It was noted how Gracia “wanted to establish his personal stamp” on Leeds by changing the positions of Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison while Southampton “couldn’t stop” Firpo in a barnstorming left-back display that resulted in his first goal for Leeds.
Diario AS dubbed the win as a “triumphant debut” for Gracia and pointed out how “emotional” Victor Orta was in the directors’ box as the Whites ground out all three points.
Telemundo Deportes pointed out how “important” the win was for Leeds
Incredible victory
While it wasn’t an exemplary display by Leeds, a win is a win and we can have no complaints at all about how we got all three points.
Gracia hasn’t been at Leeds long and could have only had a matter of hours with the players before the game on Saturday due to his work permit issues.
However, he didn’t take long to put his stamp on the team by changing personnel, changing the system and changing the way the Whites attacked.
Leeds will have tougher tests than this but winning a relegation six-pointer is as good as it gets for as new manager who’s come in and been tasked with keeping United in the Premier League.
Southampton look dead and buried in truth, putting faith in their caretaker manager.
Leeds did the opposite.
One loss under Michael Skubala and Gracia was brought in and based on the little evidence we have so far, it was the right decision.
In other Leeds United news, the captain of a Championship club has been texting Gracia to offer his assistance.
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