Luke Ayling has told TalkSPORT that the main difference between Jesse Marsch and new Leeds United boss Javi Gracia is that the latter wants to play with more width – and that change in tactic, according to Ayling, suits the Leeds players.
Gracia, 52, has made a solid start. Despite defeat in the FA Cup to Fulham, a 2-0 loss that was perhaps harsh on Leeds, the Whites have picked up four points from his three Premier League games in charge. It could have easily been less.
Leeds faced Southampton, Chelsea and Brighton – the latter of which were easy favourites to beat Leeds. But, Leeds performed admirably against Chelsea and were unlucky to lose. Then, a decent point at home to Brighton last time out.
Now, Leeds face Wolves away. A game, last season, Leeds won 3-2 – coming back to secure all three points. Ayling got the winner that day and he has spoken to TalkSPORT’s Jim White about the differences between Gracia and Marsch.
“It’s been good so far [under Gracia]. We’re playing a style of football that suits us, the players that we’ve got. They are very different in their styles of play. We play with the wide players a bit wider, now,” Ayling said, on TalkSPORT.
“He wants us to play a bit more and trust ourselves, which is nice because we’re good footballers. We’ve showed that in the last three games. We’re still working to get us where he wants us to be,” the Leeds defender continued.
Ayling says difference between Marsch and Leeds boss Gracia is width
Ayling’s comments do suggest that perhaps, the Leeds players had begun to question the preference to play in a narrow manner. Patrick Bamford was openly critical about the need for more width after the loss to Nottingham Forest.
Gracia is using the width. He has Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison at his disposal. Junior Firpo and Luke Ayling overlapping. Why would you not use width? Leeds are now using their weapons correctly.
