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George Bennett

Ben Foster believes Javi Gracia's 'composed' style can keep Leeds United up

Ben Foster believes Javi Gracia is the right man to guide Leeds United to safety, and says he will demand the maximum 'intensity' from his players.

Gracia has been appointed as Jesse Marsch's successor on a 'flexible contract', and will be in the dugout against Southampton on Saturday 'subject to obtaining the necessary work permissions'.

Foster worked under Gracia at Watford, as the pair helped inspire the Hornets to their final FA Cup final in 35 years in 2019.

READ MORE: New assistant, Rodrigo return, Rutter scheme and Javi Gracia's Leeds United in-tray

The goalkeeper, who retired in 2022, believes his measured approach is exactly what Leeds need to help stabilise the club and fight for survival.

"For what Leeds need, Leeds have probably famed themselves, especially when they had Bielsa, they just like to outscore you really. A bit like Brazil back in the old school days, where if you score four, we'll try and score five," Foster told talkSPORT.

"He's not really like that Javi Gracia. He likes to play attacking football and he likes to try and press and probe and score goals. But he demands that you get back, the work rate has to be high and really intense as well.

"He enjoys people working but it's the level of intensity that he really likes. When you're forward and you lose the ball, you get back and you get back as quickly as possible."

Foster added: "I do [think Gracia is the right man to keep Leeds up]," Foster told talkSPORT. "I think Leeds need somebody who is a little bit calm and composed to be perfectly honest.

"They've had Marcelo Bielsa and everyone knows what he's about. Then Jesse Marsch I'd say is of a very similar ilk. He is very energetic and intense.

"Javi Gracia is that guy as well but he's a lot more measured, a lot calmer. He gets his message across without ranting and raving, and that goes down well in modern football."

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