'Assistant with Rafa Benitez' - New Leeds United boss Javi Gracia's pre-Southampton press conference every word on backroom staff, fans, Whites remit, team news and visa
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Just one point separates second-bottom Leeds and bottom-of-the-table Southampton ahead of Saturday’s 3pm showdown at Elland Road. The Whites failed to muster a single shot on target in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Everton and the Elland Road club then announced on Tuesday that former Watford boss Gracia had agreed terms to become United’s new head coach, subject to obtaining a work permit.
Leeds and Gracia were still awaiting the necessary work permissions which led to question marks about who would be in the dugout for Saturday’s relegation-battle six pointer against the Saints. Under-21s boss Michael Skubala has overseen United’s last three games following the sacking of Jesse Marsch. But Leeds announced at 12.30pm on Friday that Gracia’s visa had been confirmed and just 15 minutes later the Spaniard was in the hotseat for the club’s pre-Southampton press conference. Here is every word that was said by United’s 52-year-old new head coach.
Leeds United boss Javi Gracia’s pre-Southampton press conference every word
Key Events
- 12.45pm press conference at Thorp Arch
- Javi Gracia appointed new head coach on Tuesday
- Gracia now granted visa
First impressions of Yorkshire as a place to live?
“Yesterday I was in the club with all the people that is working there and it was a really warm welcome and I was excited and really very grateful. but these kind of things makes the difference. When yoiu arrive at one club you feel this you fell really, realy well. Then the atmosphere in the club is very good and I only want to give them back all my best and to try in my job to give us good results.”
The atmosphere at Elland Road is one of the best in the Premier League, how much was that a factor taking on this challenge?
“I know. I know the atmosphere is really good and of course I am am looking forward to the game. Tomorrow I expect our supporters will be the player number 12 for us. We need them and what we have to do is give our best from the beginning to the end. What I said to my players today is that tomorrow we have to do an extra effort because the team need it and tomorrow is the day.”
What has been the most important thing that you have had to do with the players this week?
“I think everybody knows the potential of this squad and the commitment of this squad and the energy and the passion they have to play. It’s without a doubt. And for me, from my first day they showed me all these things that I have said. They, in this moment, need a good result to change the dynamic because the rest of the things they are doing really well. Then, for me as a coach, it’s easy to stay with them, to work with them because they really want to do it and they really want to improve the situation. That’s the best thing for one coach when you arrive at one club.”
What reaction have you had from the players?
“All of them, from my first day, they showed me a very good attitude and today and in the training before, I felt all of them were really focused on the game and with a high commitment and looking forward to playing at Elland Road and to show our supporters that they really want to improve the situation. That’s the feeling I have now and to be honest that’s the feeling I had from my first day. The players want to improve the situation.”
On your backroom team - Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia, Juan Jose Solla - who are they and how experienced are they?
“Juan is my physical trainer and he has been with me from a long time ago from my the beginning. We started as professionals in Segunda B in Spain. And Mikel Antia and Zigor Aranalde are both former players and afterwards assistants, both with experience in England before. Mikel Antia was assistant with Rafa Benitez in Newcastle, Zigor was with me in Watford and other clubs as well. In my opinion they are good people, I need good people around me and very good profesionals as well."