Leeds boss Javi Garcia insists Jack Harrison’s resurgence as a key player is not down to him
Leeds manager Javi Garcia insists Jack Harrison’s resurgence as a key player is not due to him… with the winger on form scoring three goals in his last four games
- Jack Harrison was involved in five of Leeds’ ten goals under Javi Garcia
- But Javi Garcia says he has nothing to do with the winger’s recent improvement
Jack Harrison’s resurgence as a key playmaker for Leeds has little to do with Javi Gracia, the club’s head coach insists.
Gracia has typically downplayed his role in the winger’s return to the Spaniard, helping to add some momentum to Leeds’ survival struggle.
Harrison has come out of a relatively unproductive spell since the turn of the year, scoring three goals in Leeds’ last four games.
He has been involved in five of the Whites’ ten goals in Gracia’s six league games and signed a new five-year contract at Elland Road on Thursday.
When asked if he’d had any special input since replacing Jesse Marsch in February, Gracia said, “Nothing different than anyone else.” I try to talk to all my players because it’s my job.
Jack Harrison was involved in five of the ten goals under Javi Garcia’s reign
But the Spanish boss insists he has nothing to do with Harrison’s recent improvement
Leeds are aiming for back-to-back league victories against Crystal Palace for the second time this season
“I have to try to help them improve their level. With the players who play more, you might talk more about the different actions in games.
‘But I like to talk to them all, because they all deserve my attention. Then I try to take care of all my players in the same way.
“Jack keeps the level high, assists, scores, works a lot for the team and I think it’s at the team level, always with the will to improve.”
Harrison seems to have left an uncertain period behind him. He had been expected to complete a reported £20 million move to Leicester on transfer deadline day in January before Leeds belatedly changed his mind.
The 26-year-old is one of several players to have thrived under Gracia, who has certainly stabilized the ship, amassing 10 points out of a possible 18 since his arrival.
Leeds are aiming for back-to-back league wins against Crystal Palace at home for the second time this season on Sunday and Gracia said tactical changes have been made after working with the players.
“Obviously it’s my job to make that decision, but of course we discussed it when I arrived at a new club,” the former Watford boss added.
“The first thing I need to know is to know the characteristics of the players, their positions, where they prefer to play, and then I have to choose the best solution, the best form, the best way to play.
“First of all, it’s better to get to know my players better and after talking to them, after seeing them in training, after living with them in different experiences, I have to choose the best option.”