Ian Wright shares what he has noticed in Leeds players since Javi Gracia arrival

Add as preferred source on Google

Ian Wright has told the Kelly & Wrighty Show that he has noticed a togetherness among the Leeds United players since the arrival of manager Javi Gracia at Elland Road – and is confident that they have enough to survive the drop.

Gracia has made an excellent start to life as Leeds manager. Clocking up five games since his arrival, Gracia has watched his side dumped out of the FA Cup – but pick up seven points from a possible 12 in the Premier League.

A remarkable return given that Jesse Marsch managed only 19 in our previous 23 League games. The Spanish boss has orchestrated a comfortable, but crucial win over Southampton. Junior Firpo scoring the first goal of his tenure.

Then, a trip to Chelsea which was always going to be tricky. Leeds came close to nabbing a point, losing 1-0. Back home, a very solid draw with Brighton was a point gained – rather than two lost. Then, on Saturday, away at Wolves.

Leeds were superb as they nullified the Wolves midfield and got at Julen Lopetegui’s side down the flanks. A 4-2 win takes us from 19th, to 14th going into the break. Wright thinks Gracia has instilled a togetherness at Leeds.

“I’m really pleased for Leeds. Gracia has definitely got a bounce. He’s done it. You can feel the fans and players feel something. You always notice it in players when they celebrate, screaming together. They might save themselves.”

Wright notices togetherness among Leeds players since Gracia arrival

It is a good point. Just look at all four of the goals on Saturday, the entire Leeds team bar Illan Meslier are going crazy in front of the travelling support. Willy Gnonto almost got his teeth knocked out by Luke Ayling’s forward roll.

Even in the tunnel after the game, Gnonto is pushing and pulling Rasmus Kristensen about after his first-ever goal for Leeds. There have been a couple of suggestions that Jesse Marsch had lost the Leeds dressing room.

But in terms of Gracia, he seems to have quickly got the Leeds players together and after the win at Wolves – Leeds look as though they are in charge of their own destiny. It will be hard to keep the momentum up, with Arsenal next.