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Matty Hewitt

Javi Gracia hails Leeds United's defensive improvements despite clean sheet record

Javi Gracia's says improving Leeds United's defensive concentration was crucial when he arrived at Elland Road following an up turn in results. Despite important wins in the Premier League, the Whites have kept just one clean sheet since the Spaniard's arrival - a 1-0 win over Southampton in his first game in charge.

However, despite still conceding goals, the Whites have looked more solid in games and look less susceptible to counter-attacks. Junio Firpo in particular, is enjoying his longest consecutive run of games, since 2019 during his time in Spain.

"I didn't know that, but I think he's one player that is doing many things well and in the last game we spoke about how important his defensive work was with the team, speaking about the defensive line, how concentrated they were in the moment we were attacking," Gracia said.

READ MORE: Javi Gracia pushed on Leeds United's relegation safety benchmark after big stride forward

"It was, I think, crucial for getting the points. All the defensive line is at a high level and I am trying to improve our defensive work because when I arrived we spoke about it.

"I think it was something we needed to improve. Not only the defensive line but the whole team. When we see how the competition is, we can see that the differences are minimal and we have to be ready to try to get points in every single play, in every single game because we know everything changes very quickly.

"Then, we try to be focused on the next game and knowing the game, or trying to know, that the next game is the once we need to win."

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