Javi Gracia wants club anthem Marching on Together to help Leeds in survival bid

The Spaniard feels the famous song can inspire his players during the run-in.

Mark Walker
Monday 03 April 2023 14:38 BST
Javi Gracia’s Leeds are above the Premier League’s relegation zone on goal difference (John Walton/PA)
Javi Gracia’s Leeds are above the Premier League’s relegation zone on goal difference (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leeds boss Javi Gracia has called on the spirit of club anthem Marching On Together to help his side in their bid to retain their Premier League status.

Gracia’s side resume their relegation fight against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Tuesday night and the Spaniard feels the famous song can inspire his players during the run-in.

Leeds sit above the bottom three on goal difference after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Arsenal, but Gracia said his squad is united in achieving its goal.

He said: “All of them have the clear, collective objective: to remain in the Premier League. I hear Marching On Together since my arrival here and that’s something I can feel.

“I love it. I love it when I listen to it in Elland Road. When I listen in Elland Road, it’s something different. It helps our players to play better, I’m sure.

“In the next games, they will be with us. In these important games, I don’t have doubt about the atmosphere at Elland Road.

“They will always be with us and now we have to be focused on doing things well.”

Leeds have collected seven points from five league games since Gracia replaced Jesse Marsch in February and face three more relegation rivals in April.

They play Crystal Palace at home on Sunday and also face Leicester and Bournemouth before the end of a month which could define their season.

Leeds will still be without key midfielder Tyler Adams after hamstring surgery, while Willy Gnonto (ankle) and Max Wober (hamstring) also missed the defeat at Arsenal.

Adams’ USA midfield partner Weston McKennie was restricted to a substitutes’ role on Saturday due to illness and Gracia, as usual, gave little away with regards to team selection for Tuesday’s encounter with Forest.

“About injured players, I prefer not to say anything,” Gracia said. “You know our situation isn’t good, all the medical staff and injured players are working really hard to recover.

“But in two or three days, things do not change a lot. We have to prepare for the game with the players we have.”

Forest sit two places and a point above Leeds in the table after their winless league run was extended to seven games at the weekend when they were held 1-1 at home by Wolves.

Steve Cooper’s side last won in the league against Leeds in February in former Whites boss Marsch’s last match in charge before he was sacked.

Gracia added: “It’s the most important part of the season, 10 games left. We know every game is massive for us and for them.

“We are playing at home and we know how important that is to play with the support of our fans. We know it’s our chance to take a big amount of points.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in