Monk says Leeds must change mentality in the play-off race

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Leeds United head coach Garry Monk has said his side must change their mentality as they fight to secure a Championship play-off place.

Easter Monday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Elland Road saw the Yorkshire club slip out of the top-six for the first time since November 26th, and they now have a real battle on their hands if they want a shot at promotion.

With Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham ahead of them and picking up some encouraging form, Leeds have fallen behind because of their inferior goal difference, and have won just once in their last five games.

The pressure is clearly mounting with Leeds now an outside choice for promotion with the Latest Betting Sites, and Monk told Radio Yorkshire: “”We’re on the hunt now. We’ve got three games to do it now and we have to play for our lives.

“I know 100% that this group will give everything in these next three games and if we take nine points then we give ourselves a great chance.

“We now have to change our mentality and it can be a dangerous situation for other teams because they can change their mentality to protecting a little bit.

“I have great belief in this group.”

Leeds were beaten by a Wolves side that had suffered two consecutive defeats, including a heavy defeat to Bristol City the last time they were on the road.

However, Paul Lambert’s side frustrated Monk’s men for long spells, and the former Swansea boss said: “The first 45 minutes was one of the poorest of our season. There’s no excuses.

“We took the game to them in the second half and asked questions of them and that’s how it needs to be from now on.”