Javi Gracia's Watford 'class' and 'understanding'…

Javi Gracia's Watford 'class' and 'understanding' Leeds United should revel in

Newly appointed Leeds United boss Javi Gracia is still highly thought of at Watford after guiding the Hornets to the FA Cup Final in 2019. Despite spending 21 months in charge of the, then Premier League side, Gracia remains somewhat of an unknown quantity.

The head coach has a respectable CV from his time in Spain, but his spell with Watford will give Leeds United supporters the best insight what he might bring the Whites. Gracia signed a 'flexible contract' at Elland Road and is hoping to lead the team at Southampton this weekend.

The Whites dropped into the bottom three with defeat to Everton at the weekend and the Spaniard will be under no illusion how important a win is this weekend against the Saints.

Leeds Live spoke with Sam Ucko, co-presenter on Watford FC fan channel WD18, for an insight in Gracia's Watford tenure and how he might fare at Elland Road.

What sort of manager is he, what sort of style of play can Leeds supporters expect?

Sam Ucko: "In terms of formation, Watford played a 4-2-2-2 under Gracia, with the aim of getting the ball forward as quickly as possible to the forward's.

"It's certainly an attacking style of play, albeit it's not all out attack. Watford's problem was sometimes the defence were left a little exposed, but on the whole, it's certainly exciting football."

How is he viewed by Watford supporters?

SU: "Watford fans love the guy. Having taken over from Marco Silva at the start of 2018, he guided Watford to their highest-ever Premier League finish and an FA Cup final.

"He conducted himself with pure class throughout his tenure at the club, and understood what managing Watford Football Club was all about. The majority of Watford fans will wish him all the best and if he comes to Vicarage Road anytime soon, he'll get a great reception."

From the outside, it's difficult to view Watford managers given the owners ruthlessness when it comes to sackings. Was Gracia's departure a fair one?

SU: "Gracia was sacked following a poor start to the 2019/20 season, with Watford sat in the bottom three after 4 games. The form following the FA Cup semi-final against Wolves also was not good enough. He was stubborn in his formation and style of play and with our owners, his sacking was inevitable.

"The counter-argument is he was not backed sufficiently in the summer transfer window. Watford spent the bulk of their money on Ismaila Sarr, where in hindsight, the money should have been spent on a defence which had proven to be leaky in the previous season."

He took the Hornets to an FA Cup Final, was that his best achievement?

SU: "Of course, on paper the Cup Final was a huge achievement, yet the way he just understood Watford Football Club gave him a special place in the hearts of Watford fans.

"He spent time with the community, with the fans and tried to use Watford's home atmosphere to the team's advantage. With the way Leeds fans are at Elland Road, Javi's style will fit right in there."

Do you think he can keep Leeds United in the Premier League?

SU: "I think he can certainly keep Leeds up, particularly through him buying into the Elland Road atmosphere. He can get the best out of Gnonto and McKennie and get the likes of Bamford back on track.

"The concern could be that Leeds may continue to leak goals but if he can get them compact and in shape, he could drive this Leeds side up the table- they have some good players."