Leeds United star Junior Firpo has insisted that the Whites "were the better team" after they beat Southampton 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds recorded their first Premier League victory since a 4-3 win over Bournemouth back in November as they ran out 1-0 winners over the Saints. Firpo's first goal for the club sealed all three points for Javi Gracia's side in front of a thunderous Elland Road atmosphere.
It took until the 77th minute for Firpo to break the deadlock. The full-back slotted his low effort under Gavin Bazunu, ensuring Gracia got off to the perfect start. After the full-time whistle blew, the defender spoke to the media as he insisted that despite the scoreline being so close, Leeds thoroughly deserved to win the match.
ALSO READ: Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United injuries, Firpo, Elland Road, changes and next steps
"Probably, yes," Firpo said when asked if his goal was the most imporant of his career. "I think in the situation we are in right now, we don't deserve to be here [fighting against relegation], we demonstrated today we were the better team. We get our win and I score a goal, so [I am] really happy.
"I think the biggest frustration was that we had a really good first-half, we created a lot of chances but didn't score. We were thinking that this will be another game where we create our chances, don't take it and then the other team score one goal.
"But we managed the situation well, defended really good and [especially] after we scored I think we managed the situation really well.
"It has been probably one of the toughest weeks of my career. But we have this coaching team and I say to them before the game: 'We have one of the best dressing rooms I have ever met and we deserve to be here in the Premier League'."
"It doesn't matter whether we have a new manager or not," Firpo added when asked about a new manager 'bounce' under Gracia. "We demonstrated against Manchester United when Jesse [Marsch] was sacked that we did an amazing job. I think we are a team that is capable of winning every single game regardless of the opponent.
"Obviously if you have a new manager it gives you an extra boost and you can be in the starting XI all of the time.
"That was a good selection," Firpo joked when asked about him bringing his family and friends to Elland Road for the game. "I always say that when I bring my friends, I have an amazing game - so we repeat again! We have a game on Tuesday night [against Fulham], so I cannot [celebrate] too much!."
READ NEXT:
Leeds United player ratings as Junior Firpo digs hosts out of a hole with late Southampton winner
Javi Gracia is about to see how big the Leeds United mountain is he has to climb
Martin Keown sends Javi Gracia Leeds United 'direction' message ahead of Southampton clash
‘I want to be myself’ - Tyler Adams rebuffs Kalvin Phillips claim amid Leeds United comparisons
Leeds United dressing room pain must not boil over into desperate blame-game finger-pointing
