New Leeds manager Javi Gracia BLOCKED from taking training and first game in doubt - Mirror 22/2/23
Javi Gracia has been tasked with keeping Leeds in the Premier League but will not able to take training or step into the dugout until his work permit has been approved
ByTom Blow
New Leeds boss Javi Gracia is still waiting for his work
permit and could miss the team's game against Southampton on Saturday.
Gracia, 52, was appointed Jesse Marsch's successor at Leeds
on Tuesday and needs to get to work as soon as possible if the West Yorkshire
club are going to survive in the Premier League. Leeds are currently 19th in
the table - two points from safety.
Saturday's home game against Southampton is vital for Leeds,
as the Saints are one point and one place behind them in 20th. Both teams are
in dire need of a win at Elland Road, but Southampton will be confident after
winning 1-0 at Chelsea last time out.
Yet 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 Michael Skubala and his colleagues
forced to step in once again.
It is unclear when this situation will be resolved. Gracia
does not automatically qualify for a work permit under the rules introduced
following Brexit. He needs to be granted a governing body endorsement (GBE) by
the Football Association to start his new job.
A manager from overseas needs to have worked in a 'top
league' for at least 36 months or two years consecutively during the last five
years. Gracia does not meet that criteria with only 27 months under his belt
after two separate spells with Watford and Valencia.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Gracia's case will need to go
to an exceptions panel and may not be finalised for some time. The Spaniard's
case is expected to have a happy ending, but Leeds cannot afford a lengthy
delay due to their relegation fight.
Gracia has just 15 fixtures to save Leeds' Premier League
status. A win against Southampton on Saturday will boost spirts at Elland Road,
but the Saints will not go down without a fight. Leeds have not won a Premier
League game since the World Cup in Qatar.
Leeds announced Gracia's appointment on Tuesday with some
caution. Their statement read: "Leeds United are delighted to announce the
club have agreed terms with Javi Gracia to become men’s first team head coach,
subject to obtaining a work permit."
Gracia arrives at Elland Road with a fine CV. The
experienced manager has previously coached the likes of Almeria, Osasuna, Malaga,
Rubin Kazan, Watford, Valencia and Al Sadd - winning a league title in Qatar
and two second tier titles in Spain.
Leeds fans will remember Gracia's time at Watford. He was
appointed in January 2018 and guided the Hornets to safety during his first half-season
in charge. He then led them to their highest Premier League finish of 11th and
the FA Cup final the next term.
