After losing four of their last five games, Leeds are contemplating firing Javi Gracia and appointing a new manager for the remainder of the season.
The club’s board is debating the possibility of replacing Gracia, who was recruited in February as Jesse Marsch’s replacement on a “flexible contract” with the mandate of maximizing the team’s chances of avoiding relegation to the Championship. Leeds were in the bottom three at the time, but their 4-1 loss at Bournemouth on Sunday moved them up to 16th place, one point clear of the relegation zone ahead of games against Manchester City and Newcastle.
Gracia, who was previously in command of, among other clubs, Watford and Al Sadd in Qatar, began well at Elland Road but has since presided over a stretch in which Leeds have earned only one point out of a possible 18 and have conceded 18 goals in five matches.
If the board decides to fire the Spaniard, they will need to find a replacement manager. Michael Skubala may serve as interim head coach for the final four games with limited options left.
Skubala, the club’s reserve coach, became the first-team coach after Marsch’s departure.
Senior players and club executives continue to hold him in high regard. However, a more experienced manager may inspire a struggling team. Alan Pardew and Lee Bowyer, an ex-Elland Road midfielder who managed Charlton and Birmingham, are possibilities.
The Leeds squad has issued an apology after social media footage appeared to show players ignoring a group of fans as they departed the team hotel ahead of Sunday’s game against Bournemouth. The squad will finish the season with games against West Ham and Tottenham.
Fans are particularly outraged by the sight of the players ignoring a young boy holding what appears to be an autograph book and waving despondently at every member of the squad.
“As the first team squad of Leeds United, we wanted to reach out to the fan base regarding yesterday’s game and subsequent social media posts,” the players wrote.
“Initially, the performance was inadequate. There is no alternative perspective, and the only way to respond is on the pitch of play. Huge numbers of Leeds fans travel across the country and deserve more than this.
Equally concerning to our group is the online video of our departure from the hotel. We’re heartbroken that Leeds doesn’t offer more love to the young man in the video wearing their outfit. There is no justification for ignoring supporters.”
