Marcelo Bielsa admits he is concerned about the prospect of relegation after Leeds were hit for six by Liverpool.
The Whites are in their second season in the top flight having impressed upon their return to the Premier League.
This season though the Yorkshire outfit have not hit the same heights with injuries a major factor.
Nevertheless, their intense style of play is not leading to the same results it did 12 months ago under their Argentine coach.
Leeds sit three points above Burnley in 18th, but the Clarets have two games in hand, which has led Bielsa to be frank in his assessment of their predicament.
"My reaction is disappointment given the result we have obtained," he said after the Anfield drubbing.
"It has been difficult for us to adapt to the opponents and it has been difficult for us to get the ball to our forwards with clarity.
"We need to defend better and attack better - both things. We will fight to defend our position.
"The distances between the two teams we were never able to reduce them. In the second half we thought it would be difficult to play an even game but we wanted to prevent or avoid what ended up happening.
"A result like today you can't explain it with the absences.
"We are fighting relegation. Of course, it worries me, how is it not going to?"
Leeds were 3-0 down at the break after Mo Salah had twice scored from the spot.
Sadio Mane grabbed a brace in the second half with Virgil van Dijk making it 6-0 late on.
Whites midfielder Adam Forshaw referenced the notable absentees in the starting XI with Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford both out injured.
Nevertheless, he admitted the manner of the defeat was likely to linger, insisting it isn't something that the players easily get over.
"Two different teams in class," he confessed.
"It is difficult coming to a place like this but we are missing big players, we have missed them through the season.
"Tonight feels like the end of the world but we are still in an OK position, we can't feel sorry for ourselves.
"It is hard not to let it affect you, I won't lie but the positives were the fans, they make you proud and that is what we can take from tonight, they are always there for us."
Leeds take on Tottenham at Elland Road this weekend.
