Javi Gracia is 'very optimistic' Leeds United will play 'much, much better' in their next outing at Chelsea after making a perfect start to life at Elland Road. Junior Firpo's late strike sealed a much-needed victory over relegation rivals Southampton on Saturday to lift the Whites out of the relegation zone.
It was Leeds' first top-flight victory since edging a seven-goal thriller with Bournemouth in November, as Elland Road gave Gracia a stunning welcome. The hosts were forced to wait for the breakthrough, and in the end the deadlock was broken by an unlikely source.
Firpo slotted a low effort underneath Gavin Bazunu 13 minutes' from time, and Leeds held on to a clean sheet to ensure Gracia's reign got off to a winning start. Leeds face an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Fulham next on Tuesday night before travelling to Chelsea next weekend, and the newly-appointed boss is hugely encouraged by what he witnessed from his new side.
READ MORE: Leeds United ace Junior Firpo hails Whites performance after scoring winning goal vs Southampton
Asked for the improvements he wants to see, Gracia said: “I'm very optimistic because if we with one day we play like today, next week we are going to play much, much better."
Leeds return to Elland Road on March 11 for the visit of Brighton, with home clashes against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace next on the horizon. It is set to be a nervy battle for survival over the next three months, and Gracia feels his team will need to make Elland Road a fortress.
He added: "I think we have to be very strong, playing at home. If we want to achieve our target, we need it and I hope the supporters always will be with us because we really need them.”
