Here are your Leeds United morning headlines on Wednesday, February 28.
Marco Silva explains 'dangerous' Leeds United tactic under Javi Gracia
Fulham ran out 2-0 winners over Leeds at Craven Cottage in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday night. Two superbly taken goals from Joao Palhinha and Manor Solomon either side of half-time saw the Whites bow out just shy of the quarter-finals.
After the game, Silva explained what he saw as Gracia's clear instruction to hit the hosts on the counter-attack with the pace available in Leeds' front-line.
ALSO READ: Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United's defeat, finishing, Kristensen, Rutter and Gray
“The way Leeds came to approach the game, it was easy to understand from the first minute they were not a team to press really high, they waited for us to start to control the game,” he explained.
“And we started to do it, to create some dangerous moments, not big chances but dangerous moments around their box, and them waiting for some dangerous counter attacks with the quality players and really fast players they have in their attack line.
“And in some moments they waited for us and we gave them what they wanted. Of course, the first goal gave us the confidence we needed, we started to control the game a little better, some good moments for ourselves...
“We lost the ball quickly in certain areas, which you cannot do, and every time we lost the ball, we give the chance to them to make some dangerous counter attacks."
Javi Gracia inherits Leeds United problem Marcelo Bielsa was at pains to solve for three years
The cup dream is over
No sooner had it started, than Leeds United’s FA Cup run, their best in seven years, was over. Just as supporters were daring to talk up Fulham’s focus on an excellent Premier League campaign and talk down the quality of remaining opponents in the hat, the cup reverted to type and chucked the Whites out.
The 20-year wait to reach the quarter-finals of the world’s oldest cup competition goes on and Javi Gracia is sure to wake up this morning wondering how. The Whites created the better chances, and more of them, yet came away from Craven Cottage with a 2-0 defeat to swallow.
Leeds United player ratings as Georginio Rutter impresses in unlucky Fulham defeat
Leeds United (4-3-3)
1 Illan Meslier
Nothing he could seemingly do about the two stunning Fulham goals. Not a huge amount left to do. Did come out way off his line and show good anticipation to clear a ball bound for Harry Wilson in space. 6
2 Luke Ayling (c)
Given a very rough ride by Manor Solomon, one of the Premier League's in-form wingers. Opportunities to get forward did not yield too much danger for the Whites. 5
25 Rasmus Kristensen
Generally dealt well with Aleksandar Mitrovic, who it seems he was put into central defence to match up with physically. Some passes out from the back could have been better. 6
Click here to find out how the rest of the squad fared.
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Leeds United player ratings as Georginio Rutter impresses in unlucky Fulham defeat
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Leeds United supporters send 'shooting boots' message as Whites exit FA Cup in Fulham loss
Javi Gracia must address Leeds United's major issue in front of goal made evident in Fulham defeat
