Leeds United head coach Javi Gracia has made the squad aware of their ‘responsibilities’ as he looks to guide the club to Premier League safety, according to Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Two promising displays

Gracia got off to winning ways at Elland Road last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Southampton. The result saw Leeds climb out of the bottom three, however, the Whites were dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham on Tuesday.

Despite the result, Leeds played well once again and actually outscored Fulham on xG 1.53-0.19. A number of missed chances let Gracia’s side down in the end, with a trip to Chelsea next on the agenda.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Gracia and shared what he’s been ‘told’ on his start to life at Thorp Arch. The reporter said the squad ‘been made aware of the responsibilities’ that they need to meet in their aims to remain a Premier League side.

“Yeah it's really difficult for him to come in with no preparation and get a win, but he did it. I think the players feel ready to step forward now.

“I'm told that they've all been made aware of the responsibilities that they've got too within this project to stay in the Premier League. Everyone's going to be given a fair chance and will get a role that they deserve.”

The Verdict: It’s worked…

Gracia’s comments to the first-team squad along with some tactical tweaks have certainly done the trick so far. Defensively, Leeds haven’t given their opponents a 'big chance' under Gracia, the first time that has happened in successive games since 2020.

He will be looking to improve on the club’s form in front of goal after Tuesday’s display in the final third, and if he can do that, you could say that Leeds will have a real chance of survival. There have been plenty of positive signs so far, and hopefully, Gracia will keep the feel-good factor going at Stamford Bridge.