Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani is considering parting ways with manager Javi Gracia, 90min understands.
Gracia joined in February as a replacement for Jesse Marsch but, after a handful of solid results early on, has overseen a miserable slump in form which has seen Leeds pick up just one point from their last five games and concede a whopping 18 goals across that run.
Leeds began April in 12th place in the Premier League table but have tumbled down to 16th, one point clear of the relegation zone having played one game more than most of the other sides battling to avoid the drop.
With four games left to play – Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham remain on Leeds’ schedule – Radrizzani is considering making yet another change in the dugout in a desperate bid to preserve the team’s Premier League status.
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Radrizzani has grown concerned that the squad are not responding to Gracia’s methods and talks are now being held with the rest of the Leeds hierarchy, including Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear, over making a change which could come this week.
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Radrizzani’s concerns come shortly after the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board issued a vote of no confidence in both Gracia and those in charge at Elland Road in the aftermath of Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
“After the result and performance of the team today, the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board (SAB) would like to place on record its lack of faith in the current management team at the club,” the statement read.
“The SAB have been supportive of many decisions this year and will always work with the club to improve the way the club connects with its supporters and communities, so it is only right that we also address the current performances and the situation we are now faced with
“Leeds United fans have, and will always, support our club through its ups and downs, but with four games left this situation is no longer sustainable.
“The narrow escape from relegation last season should have been the catalyst for a season of growth but this season has now turned into a humiliating disaster.
“The appointment of Jesse Marsch, a style of play so different from that of Marcelo Bielsa, the sacking of Marsch after the transfer window had closed, the hiring of a fifth-choice manager, the purchase of a £35m striker who has played hardly any minutes in a relegation dogfight, the costly and embarrassing mistakes made in the Jean-Kevin Augustin case… there have been far too many questionable decisions and people must be made accountable.
“The players must also take responsibility for their abject performances and lack of professional pride since half-time against Crystal Palace.
“To pull on that famous white shirt is something that us fans can only dream of, yet it seems that some of the squad don’t have the fight for this battle. We are therefore asking for immediate changes to be made to the first-team coach and to those responsible for the recruitment of the managers and players who have been brought in over the last 14 months.”
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