Sam Allardyce replaces Javi Gracia as Leeds manager

Sam Allardyce replaces Javi Gracia as Leeds manager

Leeds United have confirmed that Sam Allardyce has become their new manager, replacing Javi Gracia in the dugout with immediate effect.

The Whites are currently out of the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference only with just four games remaining.

Gracia had been brought in to steady the ship following Jesse Marsch’s dismissal, but the Spaniard won just three of his 12 games in charge at Elland Road and has now been given his marching orders.

90min 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.

Leeds have now announced their move to bring in relegation-battling specialist Allardyce, who has been out of work since leaving West Brom in 2021 after failing to save them from the drop.

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.”

Leeds’ fate is in their own hands, but they are without a win in their last five games, with their last victory coming against 18th-placed Nottingham Forest at the beginning of April.

Allardyce’s first match pits his new Leeds side against title-chasing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on May 6.

The Whites return to Elland Road next week to take on high-flying Newcastle before a crunch match against fellow strugglers West Ham at London Stadium.

Leeds end the season at home to Tottenham on the final day.

On this edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth discuss Chelsea’s likely appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, the carnage at Tottenham and Harry Kane’s next steps, David de Gea and Harry Maguire’s Man Utd futures, Lionel Messi’s impending Barcelona return & more!

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Fabio Carvalho: A Rough Start, But Don’t Give Up

Fabio Carvalho, the 20-year-old Liverpool attacker, finds himself in a predicament as he struggles to secure game-time since the World Cup, according to a recent article by Neil Jones of GOAL.com. Despite these challenges, Jones argues that Liverpool should maintain their confidence in Carvalho’s potential.

In the whirlwind of excitement that followed Carvalho’s signing from Fulham last year, expectations were high. Jurgen Klopp spoke highly of the youngster’s talent, claiming that he could “bring a stadium to its feet” and had a personality to match his performances.

However, ten months on, Carvalho’s time at Liverpool has been underwhelming, with only four Premier League starts and eight appearances in all competitions. Speculation has arisen that he could leave the club in the summer, either on loan or permanently.

Jones reminds us of Carvalho’s impressive track record, with a previous stint at Fulham where he scored 11 times in 38 games and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. Despite the setbacks, Liverpool managed to secure a deal worth £5 million ($6.2m) up front, with a further £3m ($3.75m) in add-ons, and a 20 percent sell-on clause.

Carvalho’s early promise was evident in pre-season games, and his competitive debut came as a late substitute in the Community Shield win over Manchester City. But the season took a turn, and Liverpool’s established structures began to crumble. Key players lost form or suffered injuries, and the team’s counter-pressing and midfield were left exposed.

Jones highlights the positional concerns as a significant issue for Carvalho, as he plays in a position that doesn’t align with Klopp’s 4-3-3 system. The youngster’s natural position as a No.10 is currently unattainable in Liverpool’s setup, leaving him trapped between positions.

Despite rumours of a possible summer departure, Klopp has been quoted as saying Carvalho has made “big improvements” this season. GOAL understands that there is frustration on the player’s part, and a loan move next season is seen as a big possibility.

It would be short-sighted to deem Carvalho’s Liverpool career a failure, given his talent and potential. At 20, he is still developing and could play a significant role in Klopp’s future plans. Both Carvalho and Liverpool should not give up on each other just yet, as the youngster’s journey at Anfield is far from over