Leeds United are in good hands with Javi Gracia as their new manager.

That is the opinion of a Leeds star who has played with Gracia in the past - Rodrigo.

The forward believes that his new Spanish coach, who is waiting for his work permit before starting the job, will ensure Leeds avoid relegation.

Gracia takes over from Jesse Marsch, who was sacked over two and a half weeks ago.

“The season I came here, was the year he arrived at Valencia," Rodrigo told LeedsLive.

“So I worked with him for the first two or three weeks of the pre-season. It was a good experience.

“At that time, it was a personal thing he understood my moment and my feeling I would like to move. To try something different, move to a different team [and] try a new challenge in my career.

“I'm really grateful to him for his understanding at that time. The three weeks I worked with him were good. It was great. We worked really hard with him, with his staff, people that understand football.

“It was a more physical part of the season, the first weeks. I didn't play any games with him, but he will help us a lot."