Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has warned their relegation rivals that his side 'up for the challenge' heading into the final few games of the Premier League season.
Leeds were soundly beaten by Chelsea 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon, leaving them with two games to avoid relegation to the Championship. As Leeds were losing at Elland Road, Everton were drawing 0-0 to already relegated Watford to move two points clear of the relegation zone.
The Toffees have a game in hand over Marsch's side and both play again on Sunday, Leeds playing Brighton and Hove Albion at home while Frank Lampard's team host Brentford. Should the Whites suffer another defeat and the Blues pick up a point, that would all but guarantee survival for Everton given their superior goal difference.
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But the American coach has refused to give up, saying after the loss to the FA Cup finalists they were ready for this challenge.
"None of us have lived this," he said. "In big games we make the exact same mistakes. We are all in this together and doing everything we can. We're up for the challenge."
Leeds head into their last two remaining games without key players Dan James and Luke Ayling with both picking up red cards in their last two games.
"Two tackles in the last two games that are a little bit crossing the line and hurting the team," Marsch added. "I'm not going to blame or finger point any of our players. They've given everything they can. We have to stay within boundaries in not jeopardising ourselves.
"The players are so committed, they deserve more. I'm trying to help them to earn it. I have to stay strong with my belief which I have. "I believe we can still fight for every point left. Until the red card there were a lot of good things. I like our team, I like the club, I love the fanbase. I'm really happy here. We had our backs against the wall in a very difficult situation."
