Leeds United know that they will need to heed Marc Roca's warning to be more clinical in front of goal when they come up against Brighton on Saturday, after the Spaniard claimed his side were wasteful in the final-third during 1-0 defeat at the Amex in the earlier in the season.
Javi Gracia and Roberto De Zerbi go head to head this weekend as Leeds host Brighton at Elland Road in the Premier League. After an initial victory over Southampton in his opening game, defeats to Fulham and Chelsea have since reminded the former Watford boss of the task at hand for the rest of the season.
Having scored just one goal in his three games in charge, Gracia knows he will need his team to start finding the back of the net more often in their bid to avoid relegation this term. The Leeds coach will be hoping his side can avoid a repetition of the frustrating 1-0 loss they suffered against the Seagulls back in August - despite having more possession, completing more passes and registering 10 shots during the match.
ALSO READ: Former Leeds United goalkeeper Rob Green claims West Ham 'need' David Moyes amid supporter unrest
After the defeat, Roca sent a clear message that it was a case of missed opportunities that saw them fail to pick up at least a point against Brighton.
"Here, we started not good, they [Brighton] started well, they played good. They know how they have to play," he said.
"It was not our best performance. I think the first half was hard for us, the second half we started better but they score and after we couldn’t score – then it’s a little disappointing for us.
“[At half time] They said to us we have to change a little bit. We did our adjustments. I think the second half was better for us. But we were unlucky.
“I think we had our opportunities, they have as well their opportunities – the match could have been 1-0 or 0-1 at the end they won, a lot of things to improve on and we keep on going.”
Nearly eight months on from the defeat at the Amex, Leeds face a similar problem with their failure to take their chances in the final-third. Gracia will be hoping that his side can turn their fortunes around at Elland Road, as they look to make it successive home wins in the Premier League under the Spaniard.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United supporters give forthright verdict as club confirm season ticket price rise
Leeds United transfer rumours as Premier League rivals linked with Whites defender
Leeds United Supporters Club issue statement on 'bitter pill' season ticket price hike
From Iraola to Slot - How Leeds United's former managerial targets are faring right now
Leeds United injury update as Javi Gracia could receive triple boost for Brighton clash
