Rafa Benitez no longer an ‘appealing appointment’ after Leeds United appoint Javi Gracia
Danny Murphy has suggested Rafa Benitez may be a spent force after Leeds United chose to appoint Javi Gracia as Jesse Marsch‘s successor on Tuesday.
Benitez was linked with the managerial vacancy at Elland Road, after Leeds missed out on a number of targets, including Carlos Corberan, Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot.
But Leeds concluded their search for Marsch’s replacement by employing ex-Watford boss Gracia on a short-term deal. Benitez has been out of work since his sacking at Everton in January 2022, and Murphy, who was offloaded by Liverpool during Benitez’s reign, believes the Spaniard is no longer an ‘appealing appointment’.
“I think maybe his day is done. Maybe the way he ended at Newcastle, going to China for the money,” Murphy told talkSPORT on Wednesday.
“Maybe the way he struggled at Everton. Maybe it’s just not an appealing appointment any more, and I don’t think the Leeds fans were particularly keen.”
Government announces plans for new independent regulator amid European Super League backdrop
The Government have confirmed plans to introduce a new independent regulator following recommendations from a fan-led review on football governance launched back in 2021.
A new independent regulator will be established in law to oversee the financial sustainability of the game, the Government confirmed on Wednesday. The regulator will implement a new licensing system, requiring clubs to demonstrate sound financial business models and good corporate governance as part of an application process before they are allowed to compete.
The plans aim to give fans a greater say in the running of their clubs and help to stop owners changing names, badges and home shirt colours without consulting fans. It will also require clubs to seek regulator approval for any sale or relocation of the stadium.
Javi Gracia’s Leeds United welcome text and dressing room expectations of what’s coming
Reacquaintances will have to wait and a text message will have to suffice, but experience teaches Rodrigo Leeds United are in good hands with Javi Gracia. The Whites ended their search for Jesse Marsch’s permanent successor with the appointment of the Spaniard on Tuesday, but the wait goes on for a formal introduction to the players.
While Gracia has to wait for the paperwork on his work permit to go through before getting to officially work with the squad, Rodrigo is the one player in the United camp with previous, if limited, experience working under him. Gracia was in charge at Valencia during the summer Rodrigo wanted to move to Elland Road.
There were just two or three weeks of pre-season training with the former Watford chief, but the Spain international, who has already reached out with a message of congratulations, remains grateful for Gracia’s understanding in a difficult situation. The striker wanted to leave right when the new head coach was getting his feet under the table.
