Every word from Leeds United boss Javi Gracia's pre-Leicester City press conference on injuries, Angus Kinnear, Victor Orta and plea to fans
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Hot on the heels of hidings to Crystal Palace and Liverpool, fifth-bottom Leeds fell to a third Premier League defeat on the spin at the weekend as Saturday’s clash at Fulham ended in a 2-1 defeat. With just six games left, Gracia’s side are now only one point clear of the drop zone following a 2-1 victory for relegation rivals Leicester at home to Wolves and a goalless draw for Everton at Crystal Palace.
Victory for Leicester took the Foxes out of the drop zone and just a point and a place behind Leeds who they now visit for an enormous Tuesday night encounter under the Elland Road lights. Gracia spoke to the media at 1pm at Thorp Arch and here is everything that was said by United’s Spanish head coach.
Leeds United v Leicester City - Javi Gracia press conference every word
All set for Javi Gracia
1pm start. Expect more questions on Gnonto, why isn’t he starting. The Elland Road crowd, Whites fans, the Leeds midfield, injury updates and, of course, the magnitude of this massive game versus Leicester. Really does feel like must win.
Six pointer?
“As you say, it’s a very important game, a crucial game in this important moment of decision we are and of course, we give the value of the game is for us and we are really focused focused on it.”
In your hands - perfect game v Leicester?
“You never know, there are six games left, all remaining games are important. You never know where you will able to get to get points. But of course playing at home is the next game and we have to be focused on this game knowing we are playing against Leicester and they are coming from a win and it will be for sure a demanding game.”
How do you harness the home crowd?
“What I can say is that we are playing at home and we feel really well because we always have the unconditonal support of our fans and I am sure in this game it will not be different.”
How is Meslier?
“He reacts well, as usual, he always trains well. He has a very good character, of course, always trying to improve like the rest of the players and in this case is no different. We are conceding a lot of goals in the last games, and it’s something we need to do better. But in the last press conference we spoke about that as well. It’s not only about the keeper. It is something about the team we need to defend better and I think if we defend better the keeper will be better as well.”
So does Meslier keep your backing as no 1 keeper here?
“I back all my players and after I decide the players for the next game.”
;Leicester then Bournemouth. Will the next two games define your season?
“I think maybe I tell you only the next one, just the next one because we prefer to be focused on the next. We know the next three points, we need the next three points and we have to be focused on that. After this game, we will speak about the next part. Now, we prefer to be really focused on the importance of the next game.”
On Cooper and Wober - how would you describe their influence back into the side?
“I think they played well the last game, they were coming from being out of the team for different reasons. But both have the experience in this moment the team needs and quality as well. They are important players during all the season and I think at this moment of the season even more.”
Have they been able to train because it looked like they picked up some knocks?
“For the next game we have some players, in this moment I am not sure if they will be able to play.”