02/05/2024

Downing says it's between Leeds United and Everton for the final relegation spot

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Downing says it's between Leeds United and Everton for the final relegation spot

Javi Gracia looked to have shored up the Leeds United defence but have endured a torrid month of April

Javi Gracia looked to have shored up the Leeds United defence but have endured a torrid month of April

Former Liverpool and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing believes it's between Leeds United and Everton in the final relegation spot this season. The Whites have conceded 18 goals in just five games for the month of April, picking up just one win in that time - a 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Javi Gracia's side picked up important wins over struggling Southampton, Wolves and Forest, which saw them move away from the bottom three. Nonetheless, a dismal run has seen them slip back into the relegation fight.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Downing said: "I actually live in Wetherby where Bielsa lived and you'd see him walk round the street and he was like God to them. A lot of fans were saying they'd rather get relegated with him than bring someone else in and have a go which is a crazy thing to say.

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"It just proves how big of a figure he was at the club and how much he changed it. That style was Kamikaze at times but great to watch.

"I just think if they go with that style and they get relegated I think fans would be happy. At the minute, they're caught in between, do we sort the defence out or sort the attack and that's very hard to change with ten or so games when he [Gracia] comes in to do that.

"It could take a season or two to change a style of play with players who are so used to running and pressing. So yeah, their run at this point is not at a great time.

"I think whoever stays up, it won't be because of their own doing I think it'll be because teams are poorer than them - like Everton who can't score goals. Every week I'm changing my mind, Leeds will stay up, Leeds will go down, Leicester will go down, now they'll stay up.

"I just think there's something about Leicester and teams like that where they'll get over the line, whereas Everton and Leeds I think it's probably a toss up between those two."

The Whites take on Leicester City on Tuesday night with Downing believing an early goal for the visitors could spell danger for Leeds.

"As a player, when you win a game the momentum, you think you can win the next game," he said. "Leicester will be thinking 'we can go to Leeds and beat them.' It's crazy how the shift in a player where your confidence lifts.

"Leeds are probably thinking if we a goal down to a team that's in and around us, you know what Leeds' crowd is like they'll voice their concerns. I think it'll be a difficult game for Leeds."

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