Haaland tells Leeds: The pressure's on (CliveBrunskill/Allsport)

Leeds are just six points clear of second-bottom Manchester City, whom they meet at Maine Road, and manager O'Leary said: 'Where we are in the League is a disgrace - it's about time we started scrapping.'

While a superb win at Lazio has left Leeds looking at a Champions League quarter-final spot, a dismal run of just two victories in nine Premiership matches means they are glancing nervously over their shoulders at home.

'I don't think we can duck the issue by saying we could be in a relegation fight - I think we are in it,' said Irishman O'Leary, whose star has risen dramatically since he took over from George Graham in October 1998.

'The players are a bit taken aback. They're not getting praise any more and they're learning that football is a rollercoaster. You're up one minute then down the next. It has shocked a few of them.'

O'Leary's mood will not have improved after City captain Alf-Inge Haaland put the boot in on the manager who sold him last summer for £2.5million.

'Victory would put us within three points of Leeds and if we are supposed to be in relegation trouble, then that puts them in a similar position,' said Haaland.

'It would also increase pressure on the manager, who has put together a fantastic set of players but who must be looking for a bit of repayment in terms of Leeds' League situation.

'I still live in Leeds and the word on the streets is not good. Fans are increasingly unhappy with their form.