Leeds sacked Spanish manager Javi Gracia on Wednesday and named Sam Allardyce to run the team until the end of the season, with the aim of avoiding relegation in the Premier League. Premier League.
Gracia, 53, steps down after managing the Elland Road team in just 12 games, with the team out of the relegation zone thanks to goal difference with four rounds to go in the championship.
The ‘Peacocks’ have added just one point in the last five rounds, conceding 17 goals and scoring just five. On Sunday, they lost 4-1 to Bournemouth.
To replace him, Leeds, who had also announced on Tuesday the departure by “mutual consent” of their sporting director, the Spaniard Victor Orta, turned to 68-year-old Sam Allardyce.
“Allardyce has managed more than 500 Premier League games in his coaching career, which spans 29 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge about the fight for survival,” explained the Yorkshire club in a statement.
“He has successfully helped Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton avoid relegation”, although his last taste of such situations, with West Bromwich Albion in 2021, was unsuccessful.
‘Big Sam’ also had a brief stint as England manager in 2016 before being sacked after 67 days in charge and one game, after being recorded by journalists claiming he could help avoid some transfer regulations in exchange for pay.
His appointment represents a radical turning point for the Leeds managers, who have gone from coaches renowned for their ambitious play, such as Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch and Gracia, to a fan of more pragmatic football.
Leeds have a very difficult match ahead of them: they visit the manchester city on Saturday.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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