Former Leeds United manager Javi Gracia has claimed that Victor Orta's sacking was "just as difficult, if not more" than losing his own job.
Leeds confirmed on Wednesday morning that Gracia's time at the club had come to an end after a 12-game spell. The Spaniard led the club to three Premier League victories over Southampton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest.
Sam Allardyce will now take charge of the Whites for their final four fixtures of the season, starting with a trip to reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday. Subsequent games against Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur complete the run-in for Leeds.
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The 68-year-old is now tasked with putting the brakes on a dismal run of form that saw the club concede 23 goals in April. A 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Gracia's time in West Yorkshire, but he was not the only casualty.
Orta also left his role as sporting director after reports emerged that he was against the decision to sack Gracia. The former Leeds manager has now spoken about his admiration for Orta following his dismissal as head coach.
He told the Athletic: “I can honestly say my time at Leeds has been an enriching experience, and the human qualities of Victor Orta have been an authentic pleasure to be around. It was one of the places in my career where they have made me feel good and comfortable in myself. Personally I did not know Victor very well before taking the job. I had never spent time with him previously.
“It’s been a very intense period. It hurt me a lot to lose my job, but I have to say Victor’s exit is just as difficult for me, if not more.”
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