Leeds United head coach Javi Gracia is often a man of few words. Closely guarded in press conferences, he gives little away such is his approach. And yet, even the considered Spaniard couldn't shy away from just how big a week the Whites are facing.
There may be only six points on offer in the space of six days, but it feels even more important than that. The magnitude of the week is not lost on anyone, with the fixture list's importance only amplified further by the opposition, or rather the league positioning of the opposition.
Starting with Nottingham Forest's visit to Elland Road on Tuesday night and ending on Sunday with Crystal Palace's trip to the same venue, Leeds United have a potential make or break week. Two home victories could see the Whites as high as 12th and with some much-needed breathing space in this nervy relegation fight.
Failure to win either game and Gracia's team are likely to occupy one of the three relegation places come the end of the week. Nothing will be settled either way, but it's hard to get past the importance of this week for Leeds' chances of survival.
"Now we are starting with the most important part of the season," admitted Gracia, acknowledging the importance of the what's to come.
"There are 10 games left and we know every game is massive for us. For us and for them. We are playing at home and we know how important it is to play with the support of our fans. We have to make an extra effort because this is our chance. This is our moment to try and take a big amount of points."
Leeds know an opportunity of having bac-to-back home games against two sides caught up in the basement dogfight is not one they can pass up. Now all the focus is on making the best possible start against Forest.
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