Sacked Leeds United boss Javi Gracia admits he was sorry to see Victor Orta also leave the club this week.

Director of football Orta backed Gracia to stay on and eventually agreed to follow the Spaniard out of Elland Road.

Gracia told the Athletic: “I can honestly say my time at Leeds has been an enriching experience, and the human qualities of Victor Orta have been an authentic pleasure to be around. It was one of the places in my career where they have made me feel good and comfortable in myself.

"Personally I did not know Victor very well before taking the job. I had never spent time with him previously.

“It's been a very intense period. It hurt me a lot to lose my job, but I have to say Victor's exit is just as difficult for me, if not more."