‘I think they’d rather see their team play better and win games than listen to me’: Leeds manager Javi Gracia avoided questioning his job after fans turned on his players following their harrowing 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth
- Javi Gracia declined to answer questions about his work after a recent run of bad form
- Leeds were beaten 4-1 by Bournemouth on Sunday as fans turned against the players
- Gracia said his side “need to change the dynamic” in their last four matches
Leeds manager Javi Gracia avoided questioning his job after being angrily confronted by fans during the harrowing loss at Bournemouth.
The Spaniard is under increasing pressure at Elland Road after a terrible run of form saw them worryingly sink towards relegation danger.
That fear exploded yesterday when at least three supporters pushed Gracia to the full-time whistle and had to be restrained by stewards.
The Leeds players were also targeted by irate fans, who chanted ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ at the full-time whistle.
When asked if he still has the backing of the Leeds board, Gracia replied: ‘When I’m here…’
Of the supporters reaction, Gracia said: ‘We’ve talked about that in recent games. It’s hard for them, hard for us with the situation we live in.
“At the moment I think they would rather see their team play better and win games than listen to me.”
Leeds now face two daunting games against Manchester City and Newcastle in their battle to avoid relegation.
And Gracia added, “We try to push for the things we need to improve. Of course, if we admit the mistakes we have admitted in all matches, it is difficult to compete well and get the results we need.
“We have to defend more consistently, attack more, be more aggressive. If we don’t, it will be difficult to get the points we need.
“You know, when I arrived the situation was the worst and now of course the final results are difficult for all of us, but we have to change the dynamic and we have four games to do it.”
Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil, whose personal pre-game preparation was disrupted on Saturday night as he had to take his daughter to hospital, believes his team’s future is secure after this victory.
“We now have 39 points, which should be enough, but that doesn’t mean we stop,” said O’Neil.
“I’m really proud, it’s an incredible effort. Everyone played a part and it’s a big effort. We have continued to do the right things and continue to do the things we believe in.
“The main feeling is relief, even at 36 points you still think it can go the other way.
“We put in a good performance and achieved what I think is safety in the Premier League.
“I’m looking forward to the next four games to see how many points we can get.”