Leeds United boss Javi Gracia has urged the supporters to remain behind his players as a vital relegation six-pointer with Leicester City approaches.
The Whites host the Foxes on Tuesday evening – with the atmosphere around Elland Road being far from positive at present.
This is hardly surprising considering that Gracia’s side have suffered three consecutive league defeats, conceding 13 goals in the process.
The general feeling surrounding the club currently is one of frustration, disappointment, and above all else anger at how the West Yorkshire club has been run in recent times.
Much of this dissatisfaction has been aimed at club executives Angus Kinnear, Andrea Radrizzani, and Victor Orta – but an apathetic display against Fulham last Saturday which saw Leeds lose 2-1 did nothing to remedy matters.
Gracia understands the “anger” of the Elland Road faithful, but has claimed that their support will be vital in gaining a positive result against Leicester tomorrow night.
“I can understand that the supporters are angry but at the same time I know they will support the team,” Gracia said in his pre-match press conference (as per Yorkshire Evening Post).
“If I can say something to the fans it is support the players because they need them.
“Mentally I think the team need this support and that’s the reason why I would like to ask the supporters to support the players because in this moment they need them.”
The importance of Tuesday’s season-defining clash cannot be overstated, with anything short of a win against Leicester putting the Whites in an incredibly precarious league position as the end of the season looms.
