Jack Harrison says Javi Gracia has Leeds more ‘tactically organised’ than beforehand

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Jack Harrison has told LUTV that Leeds United manager Javi Gracia has got his side more “tactically organised” than they were beforehand under Jesse Marsch – following Tuesday’s comeback win to beat Nottingham Forest.

Gracia had secured seven points from his first five games, heading into Tuesday’s crucial game. But, he watched his side lose 4-1 to league leaders Arsenal on Saturday. Forest took the lead on 12 minutes through Oriel Mangala.

However, Leeds dominated from that point in. Jack Harrison equalised 10 minutes later as Marc Roca’s shot was parried by Keylor Navas, into Harrison’s path. Then, just before half-time, Luis Sinisterra curled in a superb effort.

The scoreline somehow remained despite Leeds having a number of other chances – Patrick Bamford lashing a shot wide when given the freedom of the box. Gracia now has three wins from six. Leeds had four from 23 beforehand.

Asked about Gracia and what the Spaniard has done to improve Leeds, Harrison said that he feels the Spanish boss has made Leeds more “tactically organised” than beforehand under Marsch. He has been like a “breath of fresh air”.

“He’s come in and been like a breath of fresh air. Tactically, we’ve been a bit more organised. He focuses on details, he’s really detail-orientated. With him coming in, that style of play and methodology has been really important.”

Harrison says Gracia has Leeds more organised than under Marsch

Harrison is right. Leeds look so much more defensively aware. They are willing to sit behind the ball and everyone knows their job. They track runners and look less susceptible to the counter attack. There is more control, now.

At times on Tuesday night, it was hell for leather and Leeds tried to score goal after goal. But in the second half, there was never really any sense of danger – apart from perhaps, Junior Firpo’s tackle in the penalty area.

A huge win and Gracia now has 10 points from a possible 18. If he can turn that into 13 from 21 on Sunday at home to Crystal Palace – then it would go some way to taking Leeds away from the relegation battle this season.