Leeds United boss Javi Gracia told his side 1-0 home win against Southampton as “something really special” in his first match for which he was responsible.
Little Firpo‘s second half kick stopped Leeds’ 10-game undefeated streak. Premier League and removed them from the bottom three.
Former Watford, Malaga and Valencia boss Gracia was overjoyed with his win on Tuesday after being appointed as a permanent replacement for Jesse March.
The 52-year-old Spaniard said: “(I) am very happy because when I arrived I felt that everyone at the club really needed a good result.
“I think today is good for all of our confidence. We know it’s just one step, but it’s an important one for us right now.”
Leeds are in the last three for the first time this season after losing 1-0 to Everton last week.
Firpo’s first senior goal for Leeds was scored from below under Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu in the 77th minute, clinching them their first league win since early November.
Junior Firpo scored the only goal of the match against Southampton.
(Getty Images)
“I think this win is good for the players’ confidence in the work we’re going to do together and the confidence of all the fans in the team,” said Gracia.
“We know it’s just one win, just three points, but it’s something really special for us.”
Home fans in a crowd of 36,641 did their bit as Leeds finally found the breakthrough against stubborn opponents who remained at the bottom despite being revived with a Chelsea win last week.
When asked about the atmosphere at Elland Road, Gracia said, “It’s really special. I knew it because I could see it before I came in, but living in it is another.
“I am very optimistic because one day if we play like today, we will play much better next week.”
Southampton have confirmed their interim boss, Ruben Selles, as their permanent manager until the end of the season this week, after they recently sacked Nathan Jones.
The Saints responded with a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Chelsea in their first game for which Selles was in charge, before slipping into this 16th league defeat of the season.
It was the 10th time they lost a league game by one goal, and Selles insisted his team was playing at “Premier League level”.
The 39-year-old actress said, “For me, it shows that we are there. We are there every game and we have a chance to play the game and win.
“We are not a team that compromises a lot, is out of the game and therefore does not compete.
“We’re racing. We’re there and we’re at the Premier League level. We’re doing something and we’re performing at that level.”
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