Gracia worried about Leeds form after defeat at Fulham

LONDON : Leeds United manager Javi Gracia said he was worried about his side's form after they lost 2-1 at Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday although they stemmed a recent avalanche of goals.

"I'm worried about everything. It's our third defeat in a row and we have to improve," Gracia told a news conference.

"The players have to recover their best levels because we play a very important game in three days."

Leeds, who host fellow strugglers Leicester City on Tuesday, sit two points above the relegation places after heavy defeats against Crystal Palace and Liverpool in the previous two games.

"We were stronger defensively and had a better balance in some parts of the game but it wasn't enough. We have to find the balance we need to compete and to win the game," Gracia added.

The Spaniard could not fault the commitment of his players against Fulham and refused to criticise individual mistakes after goalkeeper Illan Meslier was at fault for both goals.

"I'm not going to talk individually about players because all of them are trying their best," Gracia said.

"Of course, sometimes players make mistakes but I prefer to keep the strength of the squad and try to compete at our best" he said.

Leeds saw an upturn in form after Gracia's appointment in February, winning three of his first six games in charge, but have now conceded 18 goals in five games in April, losing four. The win was against relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Saturday's defeat leaves Leeds in 16th spot with 29 points, two points above the drop zone. Fulham stand ninth on 45.