Javi Gracia on VAR call and 'hard to manage' Whites experience after Liverpool rout - YEP 17/4/23
Javi Gracia says fans are not seeing enough from the Leeds United and improvement is needed for seven huge relegation battles.
By Graham Smyth
The Whites were battered 6-1 by Liverpool, eight days after
a 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace, and Gracia admitted it was a second consecutive
occasion when his side did not meet the required standards.
"The players always try, the players always work hard
during the week trying to prepare for the next game," he said.
"In the last games, this game and in the second half in
the last game we didn't compete at our level and we need to improve that. We
have seven important games left and we have to give our best face."
Gracia, who cannot recall ever shipping five and six goals
in consecutive games as a manager, was tight-lipped on the VAR decision to
allow Liverpool's opener despite what appeared to be a clear handball by Trent
Alexander-Arnold.
Leeds had contained the Reds up to the goal, which arrived
on 35 minutes.
Gracia's view was not difficult to decipher.
"I asked the assistant and he told me they checked it
for offside, nothing else," said Gracia.
"After conceding six goals I don't want to say anything
about that. But you and me know what happened. I prefer to be critical with
myself in this moment and try to look for solutions for the future, don't speak
too much about referees or other things. Our objective is try to improve, be
demanding with ourselves and that's the right way."
Ultimately, however, Leeds' performance was not good enough
and their shapeless, hapless defending in the second half was a real cause for
alarm in their battle to avoid the drop. Gracia knows much more is needed.
"I suppose the supporters need to see the team playing
like we've done in previous games and try to get better results," he said.
"This way I am sure they will be happier with the team.
The players need to work in all the things we have to improve. What we are
seeing in this moment is not enough. We need to improve our level.
"It's hard to manage [losing to consecutive routs], of
course. I don't remember in my career if in two games in a row I conceded five,
six goals. But I'm here to try to give my best, to try to help the team, help
the club and that's what I'm going to do."