Leeds United issued 'massive' claim with Javi Gracia 'fighting for his future'

By Tam McManus

21st Mar, 2023 | 7:28pm

Pundit issues 'massive' Leeds United claim with Javi Gracia 'fighting for his future'

Leeds United will have no choice but to extend Javi Gracia’s stay at Elland Road if he avoids relegation this season.

That is the view of former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about Gracia’s start in Yorkshire.

Since replacing Jesse Marsch at Elland Road, Gracia has picked up seven points in four Premier League games.

The latest victory for the Whites came in a blockbuster 4-2 win over Wolves, which saw five goals and a red card in a frantic second half.

Leeds have escaped the relegation zone and climbed to 14th place in the Premier League, but Gracia’s side are still only two points clear of the drop.

McManus believes Gracia is fighting for the club’s survival and his job in Leeds’ 11 remaining league games.

I don’t think he’s been great,” McManus told Football Insider.

I’ve been watching them and they play well in spells but they’re lacking something.

They usually score and concede a lot and they looked back to that usual pattern in that crazy game against Wolves.

“The end goal for Gracia is staying up and nothing else matters.

They have absolutely massive games coming up and it’s so tight at the bottom of the league.

Gracia knows how much these next few games mean, not only for the club but for his job.

He’s fighting for his future at Elland Road as if they go down he’ll be let go but Leeds will have no choice but to keep him if they survive.”

In other news, Leeds United chase RB Salzburg star Noah Okafor