Brentford 2 Leeds United 0: Milanic requiring time to instil ‘European style’ into Leeds play

The Slovenian had taken just three training sessions with his new side before their 2-0 reverse at Griffin Park, in what he conceded was a very difficult first game in charge.

Goals in either half from Jota, a summer signing from Celta Vigo in Spain, and Alan McCormack secured the Bees maximum points against a Leeds outfit that had won three of their previous four under Neil Redfearn.

In contrast, the Londoners were smarting after a 4-0 hammering at Middlesbrough and a 3-0 home defeat against Norwich, which saw manager Mark Warburton promise there would be a reaction.

Leeds head coach Milanic said: “It was a very difficult game. I expected a game like this against a side with very aggressive forwards. We were not good enough in possession in the first half and were not dangerous.

“We have to play with a much more offensive mentality. In the second half, we did it better and had some good shots, but we weren’t good enough to score and Brentford were very dangerous on the counter-attack.”

Milanic said he wanted to bring the Leeds faithful a European style side in terms of style and mentality.

“I want to play offensive and we played with two strikers today but it’s not enough if you don’t have offensive thoughts. That first game at Elland Road will be very important for us. With support and energy we can make it. But I have to know individual players in the division better and I need time.”

Milanic will have been worried by his side’s lack of fight after going two down with 15 minutes remaining and the hosts were denied further goals only by the heroics of goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.

Brentford: Button, McCormack, Tarkowski, Craig, Bidwell, Douglas, Odubajo, Pritchard (Tebar 74), Judge, Jota (Proschwitz 74), Gray (Diagouraga 81). Unused substitutes: Dean, Bonham, Toral, Betinho.

Leeds United: Silvestri, Byram, Bellusci, Pearce, Warnock, Cook (Tonge 80), Bianchi (Murphy 85), Mowatt (Sloth 67), Austin, Antenucci, Doukara. Unused substitutes: Stuart Taylor, Wootton, Morison, Cooper.

Referee: D Whitestone (Northamptonshire).

Man of the match: Jonathan Douglas.