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Leeds 1-2 Charlton: Steve Evans and Jose Riga reaction

Steve Evans
Image: Steve Evans expects his future at Leeds to be decided by their final game of the season

Steve Evans expects his future at Leeds to be decided by Massimo Cellino before their final game of the season at Preston next Saturday.

Head coach Evans saw his side beaten 2-1 by relegated Charlton at Elland Road but he remains upbeat about keeping his job despite no word one way or the other from the controversial Italian.

Evans said: "You never hope one result is the difference between whether you are kept or not. I had a very good meeting with the president yesterday and it went very well. There were a lot of positive, constructive things said about myself. I gave my views on what we need to win promotion next season and he gave his.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet League Championship match between Leeds and Charlton

"Time beat us yesterday but the decision on my future may come sooner than the Preston game. I think Mr Cellino is ready to make his decision. I believe we need between four and six quality players. If that happens I will deliver the play-offs next season, given the opportunity, and I know the supporters deserve better players to represent them."

Leeds were two goals down through Johan Gudmundsson and Ademola Lookman, either side of half-time, and although Chris Wood headed against the bar and captain Sol Bamba halved the deficit with a 71st-minute header, it was Charlton's day.

Jose Riga won seven of his 16 Championship matches during his first spell at Charlton
Image: Jose Riga was especially pleased with his side's win

Addicks manager Jose Riga was especially pleased with his team's first-half display.

He said: "In the first half we were in control. Leeds reacted for 15 minutes or so, which is normal, but we built a two-goal lead.

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"After Leeds scored we defended well, especially our goalkeeper Nick Pope. I told the players that so many things have happened at our club but what matters is what happens on the pitch. I told them they had to show their quality collectively and individually, which they did.

"We have shown what we are able to do so the situation we are in (being relegated) is frustrating. When we have a full squad we can compete with any opposition. We have to show a lot of respect for the club and its supporters by doing our job until the end of the season."

Charlton took a 39th-minute lead when Gudmundsson swept Morgan Fox's cross past Marco Silvestri and four minutes after the break Lookman was allowed to cut in from the left and fire home the second from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Bamba at last gave Leeds fans something to cheer by climbing to head Charlie Taylor's left-wing cross past the unprotected Marco Silvestri but sustained late pressure failed to produce an equaliser as Charlton remained unbeaten on their last eight visits to Elland Road.

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