Bradford Telegraph & Argus 11/9/11
Simon Grayson praises Leeds United talisman Luciano Becchio
Simon Grayson was grateful for the “buzz” Luciano Becchio gave his Leeds side as they came from behind to earn a tension-relieving 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
The Argentinian had not featured for Leeds’ first team since the April 16 draw with Watford owing to a series of hamstring problems.
And until Becchio’s 59th-minute return on Saturday, the atmosphere inside Elland Road had been riddled with tension, partly owing to the ongoing protests against owner Ken Bates about a perceived lack of investment, and partly because Paddy McCarthy and Sean Scannell had scored to wipe out Ross McCormack’s opener.
But the introduction of Becchio prompted a switch in momentum that kicked in with his 57th goal for the club and was completed when McCormack turned in Mikael Forssell’s knockdown to earn United a second win of the season.
“Luciano was never going to play much more than 25 to 30 minutes of football because he’s only played 60 minutes in a reserve game,” said Grayson.
“His arrival lifted the crowd and gave everybody a buzz. We had to play differently, we went with a longer ball, and him and Mikael Forsell caused problems.
“I’m delighted he’s had an impact on the game. He’s a long way off starting a game but it’s a great boost to have him back.”
Even crowd favourite Becchio was overshadowed by McCormack, though, who has finally found his feet at Elland Road following a tricky first season.
He scored just twice following a £300,000 move from Cardiff last summer but already has six to his name this time around and capped a fine all-round display with his late winner – a goal Grayson admitted his side maybe did not deserve.
“When we signed Ross I was excited because I knew what he was capable of doing, but for different circumstances he didn’t get a run in the team,” Grayson said of the Scotland international.
“He looks fit, strong and you can see his confidence. I’m delighted with him, he’s showing what we wanted.
“We didn’t play very well. The biggest confidence boost was that we were only 2-1 down in the game. We need to be better at not conceding goals and need to stop making fundamental errors.
“I’ve sat after a game when we’ve played better than we have today and not won. I know (Palace boss) Dougie Freedman will be disappointed because they probably deserved to win the game.”
Simon Grayson praises Leeds United talisman Luciano Becchio
Simon Grayson was grateful for the “buzz” Luciano Becchio gave his Leeds side as they came from behind to earn a tension-relieving 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
The Argentinian had not featured for Leeds’ first team since the April 16 draw with Watford owing to a series of hamstring problems.
And until Becchio’s 59th-minute return on Saturday, the atmosphere inside Elland Road had been riddled with tension, partly owing to the ongoing protests against owner Ken Bates about a perceived lack of investment, and partly because Paddy McCarthy and Sean Scannell had scored to wipe out Ross McCormack’s opener.
But the introduction of Becchio prompted a switch in momentum that kicked in with his 57th goal for the club and was completed when McCormack turned in Mikael Forssell’s knockdown to earn United a second win of the season.
“Luciano was never going to play much more than 25 to 30 minutes of football because he’s only played 60 minutes in a reserve game,” said Grayson.
“His arrival lifted the crowd and gave everybody a buzz. We had to play differently, we went with a longer ball, and him and Mikael Forsell caused problems.
“I’m delighted he’s had an impact on the game. He’s a long way off starting a game but it’s a great boost to have him back.”
Even crowd favourite Becchio was overshadowed by McCormack, though, who has finally found his feet at Elland Road following a tricky first season.
He scored just twice following a £300,000 move from Cardiff last summer but already has six to his name this time around and capped a fine all-round display with his late winner – a goal Grayson admitted his side maybe did not deserve.
“When we signed Ross I was excited because I knew what he was capable of doing, but for different circumstances he didn’t get a run in the team,” Grayson said of the Scotland international.
“He looks fit, strong and you can see his confidence. I’m delighted with him, he’s showing what we wanted.
“We didn’t play very well. The biggest confidence boost was that we were only 2-1 down in the game. We need to be better at not conceding goals and need to stop making fundamental errors.
“I’ve sat after a game when we’ve played better than we have today and not won. I know (Palace boss) Dougie Freedman will be disappointed because they probably deserved to win the game.”