Javi Gracia is the manager for the level
The steely readiness of a coach who only got his work permit that morning and hasn't had time to complete his latest course of dental work before upping sticks to Beeston was a good sign.
There's always a question like this, being barked at a new Leeds United manager in their first press conference, particularly when they're not from round 'ere.
"The atmosphere," said a gruff voice, referring to Elland Road and beginning not a question more of a statement, "is one of the best in the Premier League —"
"I know," interrupted Javi Gracia, eyes intent on the questioner, his tone quiet, commanding, not combative, but authoritative.
So he'll do for me, will Javi. The question ran on a bit, about "How much was that a factor, taking on this challenge?" but Javi was already answering while the journalist was still trying to get "...and the fan base!" out. His response was actually fairly mundane — "I expect our supporters will be the player number 12 for us" simply a second language way of talking about 'fans being the 12th man'. But the steely readiness of a coach who only got his work permit that morning and hasn't had time to complete his latest course of dental work before upping sticks to Beeston was a good sign. Whatever has been going on at Leeds United, Javier Gracia is here, and whatever has been going on with him, he's ready. And he's prepared — I hope — for his name to be mispronounced on the regular.
First of all by me, making the 'Garcia' and 'Grazia' mistakes within half an hour of our first podcast about him. But hey, we all have a lot to learn about Gracia — or not, depending how long he's with us. "It's not easy for coaches," he said, when asked about his 'flexible' contract. "Maybe you stay one game, or maybe you stay one life. You never know." He doesn't want to stay a long time at Leeds just because he might have a contract, he said, but because he achieves the club's objectives and they want him to stay. It's a good way of looking at things.