LEEDS’ stars are facing a tough new regime if Javi Gracia’s Watford tenure is anything to go by.
The Spaniard was appointed Elland Road gaffer on Tuesday on a “flexible contract” after the club sacked Jesse Marsch.
Gracia, 52, previously spent time at Watford, where he implemented a strict fine system.
And Leeds stars could be in for some tough love if Gracia instils another stern regime.
As revealed by the Guardian in 2018, Gracia took over from the Watford players to be in charge of the fine system after arriving at the club.
And anyone late to training was brutally fined at a rate of £100-A-MINUTE.
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Gracia also increased the amount players were fined for missing physio appointments and yoga sessions.
Speaking in 2018 on the fine system at Vicarage Road, Troy Deeney said: “They used to be done by the players
“This year the gaffer took charge and he’s made it so all the fines are very steep and nobody’s messing about.
“I think everybody likes their money too much.”
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Gracia himself spoke on his ruthless regime, insisting the reason for such hefty fines was to make players “respect the rules”.
He said at the time: “I think the group needs discipline.
“For me it’s most important to convince the players we don’t need the rules. If we have good behaviour, if all of you are thinking in the same way, we don’t need the rules. Then it’s perfect.
“But you need to show them the way and they have to respect that. If one of them makes a mistake then they pay, but the objective is not to take away money.
“The objective is they respect the rules.”
Gracia guided Watford to the FA Cup final in 2019 before losing 6-0 to Manchester City at Wembley.
Leeds say he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s mammoth game against Southampton “subject to obtaining the necessary work permissions”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
