Leeds United U21 coach Paco Gallardo has given a rare interview to Mucho Deporte where he opened up about how his move to the English club took shape.
Last November, the Spaniard joined the Whites and was initially part of Jesse Marsch’s backroom staff.
Gallardo has revealed he was delighted when Leeds sporting director Victor Orta first approached him.
“It was a satisfaction when I received the call from Victor to join Leeds United. Because of working with one of the best sports directors in the world and because Leeds are an impressive club for many things, also for how their fans live on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
“I am eternally grateful to him for his call, for giving me this opportunity. Also, to the people of the club for how easy my adaptation has been.
“I am discreet, I do not have news networks, I have barely given an interview since I left Sevilla. Of course, I’m glad the people who love me have remembered me.”
Leeds sacked Marsch in February and appointed Javi Gracia as his successor later that month. Gallardo was the club’s interim manager for three games and has been tasked with managing the U21 side following Gracia’s arrival at Elland Road.
The 43-year-old’s first game in charge of the senior team ended in a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The second was also against the Red Devils, which ended in a defeat at home.
“From there [call from Orta] a series of events took place and I didn’t think at all that I could be sitting on the bench at Old Trafford to face Manchester United. It is something that I did not expect and of course I am happy for the experience and for having done my bit for the good of the team,” Gallardo explained.
“Living a match in the Premier League is nothing like living it in Spain. It’s something very different, everything happens faster.
“Now I am the coach of the Under 21s, a team whose goal is promotion to the first division.”
Gallardo was at Sevilla between 2017 and 2021 before arriving at Leeds. The time spent with Joaquín Caparrós at the Spanish club has been vital in the Whites U21 coach’s career so far.
“These are things that have nothing to do with each other. I have been a Premier coach for a transitional time. I think the fact of being with Caparrós in a critical situation and having achieved the goal of Europe on two occasions, having achieved promotion with the youngest team in the history of Sevilla’s youth system, supports me. They are details that speak of one’s work,” he added.
“Being by his side is the best thing that could have happened to me. Knowing how he lives his Sevillism, how he feels it… [He] is awesome. He deserves the best and to be recognised for how much he has done for Sevilla, which is a lot.”
