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Sam Allardyce replaces Javi Gracia as Leeds United manager.
Leeds United have announced that Sam Allardyce will take over as manager immediately, succeeding Javi Gracia.
With only four games left, the Whites are presently barely out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal differential.
After Jesse Marsch was fired, Gracia was brought in to calm the ship. However, the Spaniard only managed to win three of his twelve matches at Elland Road, and he has since been sacked.
Mp3bullet reported on Tuesday that Leeds would sack director of football Victor Orta – which was confirmed later in the day – while Allardyce would take the head coach gig.
Allardyce, who has been unemployed since leaving West Brom in 2021 after failing to save them from the bottom, has now been named as the manager Leeds would be bringing in to help them fight relegation.
A club statement on the news reads: “Leeds United can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club after 12 games in charge. Zigor Aranalde, Mikel Antia and Juan Solla, who joined alongside Gracia, will also leave the club.
“We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances.
“The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce. Allardyce will be assisted by former MK Dons, Charlton Athletic and Oxford United manager Karl Robinson.
“His first game in charge of the Whites will be Saturday’s Premier League away trip at Manchester City.”
📰 #LUFC can confirm Javi Gracia will leave the club, with our remaining four games overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce. We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circumstances.
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 3, 2023
Since their last victory against 18th-placed Nottingham Forest at the beginning of April, Leeds has gone five games without a victory, and their future is in their own hands.
On May 6, Allardyce’s new Leeds team will play title-hunting Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Whites will play high-flying Newcastle at Elland Road the following week before a crucial game against fellow underachievers West Ham at London Stadium.
On the last day of the season, Leeds hosts Tottenham.