Javi Gracia was struggling for answers as he sat down in front of the Leeds United press pack after seeing his side beaten 6-1 by Liverpool at Elland Road. The Whites could do little to prevent Jurgen Klopp’s Reds from running riot on Monday night as they followed up last week’s thrashing from Crystal Palace with another damaging display.
The defeat leaves them perched perilously close to the edge of the Premier League relegation zone and with just seven games remaining, they are now facing a dogfight for survival. Leeds actually started well against Liverpool, setting up to frustrate and finding success as they prevented their visitors from having a clear sight of goal.
However, Cody Gakpo found a contentious opener after what appeared to be a handball from Trent Alexander-Arnold and from there Leeds crumbled, just as they did against Palace at the same ground eight days previous. Mo Salah grabbed a second a few minutes later to send Liverpool into the interval with a comfortable lead.
Read more: Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United's Liverpool thumping, VAR, career lows, answers
Luis Sinisterra’s effort offered brief hope of a comeback, but Diogo Jota hit back immediately by bagging the first of Liverpool’s four second half goals. Jota and Salah bagged braces before Darwin Nunez compounded Leeds’ misery on the night with a finish that was made all too easy for the Uruguayan.
Gracia cut an exasperated figure on the sidelines during the contest and he couldn’t help but carry that demeanour into his post-match press conference at Elland Road.
“I don't have in this moment an explanation for that,” Gracia admitted when asked why he felt Leeds’ level of performance had fallen away so drastically. “But what they can say is the players always thrive, the players always work hard during the week, try to prepare the next game.
“In this case in the last games, in this game and to be honest in the second half in the last game, we didn't compete at our level and we need to improve that because we have seven important games left. We have to give our best face”
Asked if his lack of explanation meant the issue was difficult to fix, he added: “I prefer to be critical with myself in this moment and try to look for the solutions for the future.
"Don't speak too much about our referees or other things that in this moment I think is not important for us. Our objective is try to improve, try to be demanding with ourselves and that's the right way.”
Gracia won’t have too long to attempt to digest Monday night’s display, either, as he turns his attentions to the next game, which comes on Saturday afternoon away at Fulham.
Leeds have already lost twice to the Cottagers this season, once in the league and once in the FA Cup, but the head coach knows he has to patch things up and quickly if he is to complete the task he was brought to Elland Road to do and lead United to survival.
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