New Leeds manager Javi Gracia BLOCKED from taking training and first game in doubt - Mirror 22/2/23

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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.

Gracia was sacked by Watford in September 2019 following a poor start to the season. They were relegated that term after sacking Quique Sanchez Flores and Nigel Pearson.

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