Leeds United is reportedly considering Sam Allardyce as a potential replacement for Javi Gracia, should the club decide to sack him. Gracia has only won three of his 11 matches since replacing Jesse Marsch and the club is currently outside of the relegation zone only on goal difference. Allardyce, who has a reputation for saving clubs from relegation, has been out of management for two years after last working at West Brom. Lee Bowyer, a former midfielder for Leeds, has also emerged as a shock candidate for the job. The club held crisis talks yesterday over Gracia’s future following Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth, which was met with a furious fan backlash.
The problems at Leeds extend beyond the manager, however. Owner Andrea Radrizzani’s pre-season prediction that another relegation scrap would be “impossible” has proven to be incorrect. The club’s recruitment has also been criticised, with director of football Victor Orta wasting money on players who have not performed well. The connection between the players and fans has also deteriorated, with players ignoring fans and failing to acknowledge their support. Illan Meslier, the young goalkeeper, has also been criticised for his poor performances and may need to be dropped if Leeds is to have any chance of avoiding relegation.