Leeds United manager Javi Gracia admits he is a worried man ahead of a crucial relegation battle against Leicester City on Tuesday. While Leicester were beating Wolves to claim their first Premier League victory since February, Leeds were stumbling to a third successive defeat, this time 2-1 at Fulham. That result means they go into Tuesday’s 8pm kick-off at Elland Road just a point ahead of the Foxes and also Everton, who occupy the final relegation place on goal difference. Reflecting on defeat at Craven Cottage,
Javi Gracia said: “I’m worried about everything. It’s our third defeat in a row, and we have to improve. All the players, the level of the players, we have to recover our best XI because we have a very important game in three days (at home against Leicester) and we have to be ready in all the positions.”
Despite Leeds’ dismal run of form – they have also suffered 5-1 and 6-1 home defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively this month – Gracia insisted his players cannot afford to have doubts over their survival chances.
Javi Garcia said: “They have to (still believe). We don’t have time, in this moment we can’t have doubts. We have to believe because we did it four games ago, five games ago. These three defeats, it’s not easy to manage, but we are coming from games where we were able to have better performances and results. We have to recover that level. We have to believe and try to do it together.”
Leicester playmaker James Maddison missed the win over Wolves through illness, but manager Dean Smith is hoping he will be in with a shout of playing at Leeds.
James Maddison said: “The doctor told me this morning. Hopefully he will be fit to train on Monday.”
