Javi Gracia says his team is working hard ahead of Liverpool clash

Leeds United manager Javi Gracia

Javi Gracia says his team is working hard ahead of Liverpool clash

Stephen Oladehinde 10:56 - 15.04.2023

The 2022–23 Premier League season has eight games left as Leeds United hosts Liverpool on Monday night.

Leeds have had a very poor campaign which has left them two points above the relegation zone. They will need a top-notch performance for the remaining games if they are to escape the relegation zone and Javi Gracia has said his team is putting in the hard work.

The Whites' previous match ended in a loss to Crystal Palace, and they will be hoping to quickly move past that performance in their quest to climb the table.

Liverpool, who are still competing for a position in Europe, travel to Elland Road after an intriguing draw with Arsenal. 

Gracia on playing Liverpool

The Reds travel to Elland Road on Monday to face Leeds United as they seek European Football and Gracia has said the game won’t be a run in the park for them.

Speaking in an interview, Gracia said, “We know how difficult it will be the next game against Liverpool.

“They are a very good team. As I said before, in this moment we have no time to think about whether it is better or worse to play against this team or other.

"We have to play, give our best and try to get the points. What I can tell you is that all of them have done a hard work this week and tried to pay attention to the little details, because after all these things make the difference.

Leeds need to focus and be ready

Leeds United defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the first leg and Gracia has said his team needs to replicate that performance if they want to get a result.

Still speaking, he said, “They worked very well this week and I am sure we learn from our mistakes.

“We got a good result in the first game [a 2-1 win at Anfield in October], but now everything changes.

“We have to be ready for another game. Of course, for the mentality of the players it is good [the previous win].

“They know they were able to get a good result there, but all of them know to be ready for a very tough game.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham are set to make a club-record bid for Barcelona starlet Anssumane Fati after it emerged that the youngster could be seeking an exit from the club due to a lack of playing time.