Javi Gracia has been granted his work permit to commence work as Leeds United head coach. The new Whites boss was unveiled as Jesse Marsch's successor on Tuesday, February 21 with the club waiting on his work permit application to be accepted.
A club statement confirmed the arrival of Gracia's new backroom staff, Zigor Aranalde as assistant coach, Mikel Antia as assitant coach and Juan Jose Solla as the final addition. Michael Skubala who oversaw the two games against Manchester United and Everton will remain involved with the first-team coaching set-up with Paco Gallardo taking over the Under-21s side.
A club statement read: "Leeds United are delighted to announce Javi Gracia’s visa has been confirmed. Following this, we are pleased to unveil a number of new additions to the existing backroom staff at Thorp Arch.
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"Zigor Aranalde joins as an assistant coach, having served under Gracia in spells at Watford, Valencia and Al Sadd. Aranalde enjoyed a long playing career as a full-back in Spain with Eibar, Sevilla and Albacete, then in England with Walsall, Sheffield Wednesday and Carlisle United.
"Mikel Antia also arrives at the club as an assistant coach, having played alongside Gracia at Real Sociedad. The former centre-back, also enjoyed stints at Valladolid, Elche and Braga before moving into coaching and also has experience in England with Newcastle United.
"Juan Jose Solla is the final new recruit to the backroom staff, having worked alongside Gracia throughout his managerial career.Most recently working at French Ligue 1 side Marseille, he joins the Whites as fitness coach.
"Michael Skubala, who oversaw our two games against Manchester United and the match against Everton, will also remain in the first team setup. Paco Gallardo will now take charge of the Under-21s side, replacing Skubala at the helm."
It's unclear as to whether he'll take the reins for the visit of Southampton this weekend.
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