Leeds Banter

09 May 2024 11:04:16
Two random questions for others thoughts.
1. Didn't see it but apparently Bayern Munich were denied an equaliser through linesman and referee who both admitted an error. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy Madrid won. I mentioned before about this. Given the amount of money in the game and players ambition, isn't it about time decisions can be reviewed and altered after final whistle? Say within 30 minutes? Too much at stake these days. Especially in any cup or play off game.

2. I got to admit I hate fans singing Leeds are falling apart. I see nothing amusing about us struggling during a game and am def not in the mood to sing when it's happening. Call it humour if you like but I don't see anything funny about it. Annoys me immensely and now other teams are using it to ridicule us. Wish they would stop singing it. Don't you?

09 May 2024 11:51:28
1. anytime Bayern suffers from refereeing is to be applauded.

2.agree. I hate that song . and Leeds fans singing it is embarrassing and dumb.

09 May 2024 12:58:38
2. If we hate hearing them singing the song than stop falling apart! I hate hearing it as well but, unfortunately its true about our team most times.

09 May 2024 14:09:36
Hooksie yes agreed the team need to stop falling apart

but 2) the fans need to stop singing that song in stadiums

It becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.

09 May 2024 09:22:25
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Thiago Alcantara

09 May 2024 07:39:56
{Ed's Note - Beckers pecker has posted a new article entitled, Respect Your Team's Football Players

08 May 2024 23:20:01
I really can't handle another Derby.
Let's get to Wembley and our top performers perform!

09 May 2024 02:08:17
Leeds 2 victories over Norwich feels light years ago. (one win in 6 current form )

Importantly neither match Josh Sargent was playing ; Norwich have improved considerably since he came back.

Norwich content creators are stating that Leeds United " bottled " top 2 and fancy their chances

My prediction

Norwich 2 vs Leeds 0 without PB and DJ

Norwich 1 vs Leeds 1 with PB and DJ.

09 May 2024 07:37:23
I see my indian warrior Grey Clouds is back with a positive prediction 🤣.

09 May 2024 08:20:32
Strange how Josh Sargeant started their Jan loss to us and was so invisible in the game Baz didn’t even realise he was on the pitch! He will be the difference though this time?

09 May 2024 08:50:30
🤣🤣🤣.

09 May 2024 09:34:53
Dougie a lot depends on team selection and Farke playing 3 midfielders ( not JP) if PB and DJ not fit.


Yes Brockers you be correct ( finally 🤣) on this one . JS did play in the ER match in Jan

So good news we be may be on our way perhaps to Wemberley after all ☺.

09 May 2024 09:37:33
. and Brockers and MG

any score predictions from either of you for Sundays Norwich vs Leeds match? 🤔.

09 May 2024 10:25:48
Well I was looking forward to watching our game against Norwich this weekend but thanks to Baz’s prediction I now don’t need to bother and I can go away for the weekend with the wife! Thank you Baz, you have saved me all the stress of watching the play offs! 🙃🙈🤔🙃👍.

09 May 2024 11:06:02
I don’t see the point in predictions personally, but as you asked Baz, my guess is it will be a pretty cagey first leg, and pretty horrible to watch, ending in a 1-1 draw.

09 May 2024 11:20:23
I agree Brockley. Predictions are pointless.

09 May 2024 11:58:22
Woody well I might be wrong and Leeds win. take the wife out on Saturday

Which line up is getting Leeds a win in your opinion Woody?

Fair play Brockley for your prediction 👏.

09 May 2024 12:14:15
You've done plenty of them on here Bright 😆.

09 May 2024 12:28:04
It is vital that we are still in it after Sunday. I would, like everyone on here want a big win, but this is Leeds United we are talking about, so I am sure we will be put through the emotional wringer.

09 May 2024 13:03:24
Erm not really, and it’s more tongue in cheek gung ho mentality than seriously considering an outcome, plus referring back to it forever and ever as a reference point for self validation. I don’t see it as a useful parameter for measuring footballing knowledge, unlike “the odd couple” I could mention!

09 May 2024 14:07:32
Bottom line its only an opinion ( and you have plenty of those ) on how one feels the game will go .

You were predicting / opining next Hull Manager yesterday. so that must be ' pointless ' too 😉.

09 May 2024 14:19:13
Bedtime for me. Night night.
Oh. An opinion and prediction are often right and often wrong.
It’s not trying to score points every single posts that counts.
None of us are always right or wrong. Be humble. Nobody taking score.
Or. Nobody but two should I say.

09 May 2024 14:29:13
Often right and often wrong? . hmm .

08 May 2024 11:52:29
question regarding Cresswell, not seen him play much, he's a unit but can he play out from the back, Leeds like to play across CB's to make ground but is the reason cresswell never playing, is it because he's an old school CB?

08 May 2024 12:33:23
He isn't a ball playing CB.

But imo
Much more important

1) Can he tackle, block, defend, not be bullied, be uber commanding in the air etc etc

2) Is he a considerable attribute defending aerial set pieces, scoring from aerial set pieces


Yes, yes yes yes yes and yes are the answers

How many goals gave Leeds conceded recently? A lot

How many goals have Leeds scored from 2 thousand corners and free kicks approx . none

Trust in Farke? NOPE.

08 May 2024 13:33:01
I would've played him at points earlier this season, but as Baz said, he's not a ball playing CB, so doesn't really fit into DF's philosophy of possession over everything.

If he'd have been integrated into the team this season then he'd be useful for stuff that Baz (and George previously) has mentioned re; set pieces.

Just can't see him getting played while DF is in charge. Not good for the lad and his progression.

08 May 2024 14:33:27
Possession at all costs hasn't been working last 8 matches . Leeds shipping in 9 goals past 3 matches alone

This is Champo level not Champions League. and Cressy has more than proven himself at this level.

08 May 2024 16:57:41
Baz, I think I am of a mind to play Cresswell, but I am not sure it is going to make a huge difference to our attacking prowess? I stand to be corrected, but hasn't he got something like 5 career goals [at all levels? ] of which 2 were headers?

As Dill says, it's probably moot now anyway, he's unlikely to get a chance this season now, and probably no chance at all if we are promoted. Maybe, if we don't get up, he will get a chance next season. I always have a look out for him after the game and his attitude still seems good and Farke always seems to make an effort to speak with him after games.

08 May 2024 18:02:26
Fair post Ani

I think he scored 4 or 5 last season in 26 matches which is 4 or 5 more than our entire midfield, plus Rodon, Baby Shack, Firpo etc.

08 May 2024 18:09:16
DF has failed with all of our Young talent this season!

08 May 2024 21:52:25
Most of our team is young talent, we have the second youngest squad in the Championship after Sunderland.

08 May 2024 22:20:08
Cressy scores 1 in 6 Championship level so may very well affect positively our attacking prowess. Can see him performing better at the back than LOL.

08 May 2024 23:01:19
DF definitely won’t use cresswell for last 2-3 games but just thinking next season.
It’s very strange as Rodon and Amps were fantastic for many games but defensively we are poor now, maybe down to forwards not holding the ball, MF not playing as well too and put pressure on them.
Hope it can be sorted by sunday and still confident we can get up.

08 May 2024 23:38:35
DF just doesn't trust Cresswell. He thinks he is still too rash. When Cresswell has played farke has been vocal about him diving in or going to ground too readily.

09 May 2024 02:21:14
Ben . Cooper, Firpo are both notorious for being rash amd diving in.

Other Leeds defenders have done so too

Cressy and Matteo deserve better.

09 May 2024 08:15:13
Yes I know baz. I am only saying what I seen in the one or two games Cresswell has played. Mind you he has only played Cooper rarely and I think firpo only gets the nod for the left foot and assisting.
That is why I think where ever we end up there will be wholesale changes to the back line.
In my opinion amps needs freeing to be a midfielder.

09 May 2024 09:42:20
Yes Ben . next season whichever division Leeds be in . major changes in defence squad required.

08 May 2024 09:18:47
For a while after Xmas I stopped getting nervous when teams attacked. Thought go for it. Rarely would they score. Now I'm nervous again. I amazes me how teams get 90% of their corners right in the money in our box yet we get 90% wrong. As stated below. We are no threat from dead ball situations. Often try and walk it in too and waste the opportunity. Every time we face a corner I'm expecting mez to flap or miss it and watch as it floats into the net.
It's in explicable really how we collapsed.
Just hope we can inexplicably improve again.

08 May 2024 10:05:06
I know how you feel Aus.

However, we are not alone as the Spurs manager has said he's not worried by the amount of goals his team concede from corners and set pieces. If its good enough for Tottenham. (oh hang on, how many trophies have they won recently 🤔)

08 May 2024 12:38:05
If PB and DJ aren't available

And DF again picks all 4 JP GR WG and CS for an away match to Norwich. Leeds will lose as they have done EIGHT times already with that line up . zero midfield presence . zero press

Play 3 in mf . IG, GK and AG

Drop JP . play MJ or WG up top

Keep it compact in mf and defence . clean sheet please.

08 May 2024 13:35:52
Gruev needs dropping, imo. He's been absent the last few games. But I do like the idea of more of a midfield presence with 3 in there, Baz.

08 May 2024 14:08:38
Dill
We don't have any other mfs though to drop IG esp if 3 in mf.

08 May 2024 14:25:24
I have said this for ages now Aus, a corner used to be of benefit, knowing it would be fed into the box and an opportunity to score. As you rightly point out Mes flaps punches when he could catch, and we always look vulnerable. When it's the other way we find it hard to get it past the near post and we never score, well we did on the odd occasion with coops and Striuck, but they are of no benefit to us normally.
A very frustrating part of our game.

08 May 2024 17:49:12
True, true. Just like the idea of overloading the midfield for the first leg.

If DF continues with a double pivot then I'd prefer IG is dropped.

Would consider Cooper in at CB and push Amps back up next to GK. Cooper mainly for some leadership and passion on the pitch as we've been several lacking a leader and motivator out there recently.

08 May 2024 22:17:53
Changed your tune Dill.

09 May 2024 04:07:42
I guess a series of bad results will do that to a man. Something clearly needs changing to address the issue (s) . Not exactly happy as it has potential for other issues, but the biggest single issue right now is lack of leadership and motivation/ desire on the pitch. We can't just keep going through the motions or we'll sleepwalk ourselves into another season in the champo.

09 May 2024 06:38:47
Why would you reshape the team and change the formation which has been working the whole season?
It’s the players minds that need changing, the confidence and belief they had before they decided to bottle it after the International break.

We are a possession based team, Cresswell has to improve that in his game if he wants a future in playing for our club.

Overloading our midfield will create too many spaces on quick counter attacks, I prefer our 4-2-3-1. We had one of the best defense stats in the league until just recently.

As Bielsa would say, there is no plan B, stick with plan A but just do it better.

09 May 2024 07:17:55
I get what you're saying, but there are a multitude of reasons for a play off game tbf, OP. Extra layer of defence without inviting too much pressure (as opposed to adding an extra CB) , 2 (or 1) sitting and 1 (or 2) with the ability to work higher up the pitch. Compact the pitch as to not allow easy passing lanes to strikers.

If the idea is to not concede away it's a tactic I'd be for in a one off game. We keep a clean sheet away then we set ourselves up well for the second leg.

Can you elaborate a bit on this tho mate as that's not how I see it working, so interested to hear your opinion - "Overloading our midfield will create too many spaces on quick counter attacks"

09 May 2024 08:45:34
Dill, I prefer Ampadu in our back line he’s more effective there than going forward in my opinion, main reason also is that Firpo or Byram are not consistent enough on their defensive duties and we become weak on our defensive flanks. Pushing Amps further forward is only going to expose us to quick counters on those wings, especially with Firpo there.

I miss Phillips for his passing, we give the ball away far too often in midfield which also puts a strain on our back line. Basically we don’t have the strength in midfield to play three there.

09 May 2024 11:04:44
We do need a better LB than Firpo, he has been great going forward with some very good assists and before you say it Baz, we let go of a good LB in Lief, he also has been very good in storming up the field for Ipswich with some fantastic assists, sadly though he is pants at defending. Part of the reason we let him go I imagine and the reason Ipswich seeped in a shedload of goals this season.
Good LB’s who can do both are rare and expensive.
Don’t think we can afford an Andy Robertson or Gvardiol !

09 May 2024 12:02:35
I think Amps is fine at CB but can be caught out positionally (although what you mentioned being dragged across to cover may play a role there) and he's not the strongest in the air. I like him in CM as he's very press resistant and he does look up field once he's turned a man, especially the diagonals to wingers.

I think overloading centrally would force play to the wings due to the congestion and would then allow one of the CMs to double up on the opposing winger, whichever side they may be operating. Would stop a lot of flow coming through central positions and force teams to try less successful options such as crossing from wide. Would also allow the extra man to cover the marauding full backs should they need to. That's how I envision it anyway. Would be a safer option imo.

09 May 2024 12:05:47
OP

1.If DF picks same line up and formation as at QPR. Leeds will lose away from home

You are mistaken. that particular lind up has not been working all season .8 away defeats in 23 matches is a LOT

2 17 goal Leif Davis in our team instead of Ipswich

Leeds would have been Champions

Ipswich would have finished 8th.

09 May 2024 13:08:07
Far too many other variables at play in a full season to credibly start claiming we “would have” been this, that, or anything. In fact that is complete nonsense. You are assuming he would have achieved exactly the same thing in a different system, with different players, different bloody everything! 🤣🤣🤣👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.

09 May 2024 14:01:33
That's very true, Bright.

08 May 2024 06:10:19
After talking about Kamara yesterday, I thought I'd check into his stats a bit, as I always thought he was a little better offensively than he's shown for us.

Looking at it I think he's been a victim of our offensive player's poor finishing.

Kamara's xA (expected assists) this season have him at 7.51, ranking him in the 90th percentile. Furthermore, he has 39 key passes whilst having 2.74 shot creating actions per game.

I feel like I was a bit harsh after reading that, as the stats indicate poor finishing has been a big contributor as to why Kamara hasn't put some assists on the board this season.

I can't remember exact moments off the top of my head, but those are good stats. Along with a 92.7% pass completion rate.

08 May 2024 08:00:15
Great data based post as always Dill. I do think he has been somewhat harshly judged in some aspects. He has far outperformed expectations I feel, and does offer something going forward. He definitely ain’t one for pulling the trigger but while not carrying assists as such, has set up “the assister” on several occasions. Again, stats don’t show everything simply because there is no recognition for involvement in setting up the final assist.

08 May 2024 08:49:59
Yes dill. Although kamara is a bit shot shy his pressing and strong tackling have kept us in dangerous areas and kept attacks going. Especially in the early season I do remember him winning possession and creating chances.
It goes back to the chances not been put away.
I don't mind so much the lack of goals from kamara or gruev as they are more defensive. I think amps was unlucky early on with a few shots when he was in midfield. If he'd continued to play there he might of got more.
It's the set pieces that have let us down . Not a sausage for months.
I think we had 20 in two games and not a shot or header on target.
Surely a top team should be into double figures for set pieces in a season? At least.

08 May 2024 09:46:16
Kamara has been good for us. We need his ball winning and distribution further up the pitch. Gruev does it further back. The problems on Saturday were Rutter losing the ball and Ampadu being pulled over to left back to cover for Firpo’s roamings further upfield. Left us exposed. And without PB there’s no one to get on the end of the Firpo crosses. His tracking back for their second goal was so bad it almost makes me think he didn’t know what his role was. He’s a winger at best.

08 May 2024 12:39:36
Whatever happens and whichever league we be in next season . we need at least 2 new midfielders!

. creative and goalscoring fgs!

08 May 2024 13:47:40
Bright, we need an new stat for Kamara - assist for the assist haha.

Yep, set pieces - offensively and defensively - a massive negative in our game. Has been for some time now as we are losing ground on other teams specifically because of it some weeks.

And agree, Baz.

08 May 2024 14:06:27
Lol Dill! But then the person who passed it to the assister of the assist provider would want recognition too?!

08 May 2024 14:09:08
Indeed Dill.

08 May 2024 17:50:30
Where's does it end 🤣.

08 May 2024 07:39:52
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

07 May 2024 20:33:00
The Tigers have sacked their manager after failing to secure a playoff spot.
He's only won 1 game out of the last 4, that's better than our post International results.

07 May 2024 21:04:29
Yes leeroy. Liam had hull playing well but no end result bit like us early season. The city fans are shocked by this news.

07 May 2024 21:09:01
Good grief. Another hothead chairman.

08 May 2024 04:00:00
Werent Hull in top 6 in December/ Jan smd their board really backed Rosenoir in Jan window.

Rosenoir not quite good enough ; but who Hull get instead is interesting .

As for Leeds and DF

DF stubbornness making same mistakes again and again is infuriating and like Bielsa will get him the tin tack.

Praying that PB and DF are back for Norwich away.

08 May 2024 05:51:43
They had a good squad this season tbf, so I guess it could be deemed failure if LR had indicated he thought he could get play offs.

Philogene, Greaves, Morton all EPL quality.

08 May 2024 08:01:29
I have a sneaky feeling Hull will go for Moyes. Not an entertainer, but can get the required jobs done.

08 May 2024 09:53:23
Acun must have had someone lined up just the timing of it. LR had got backing in the transfer windows and that the thing he had the fire power Billy sharp etc but he kept them on the bench.
I think his biggest downfall was young delap getting injured towards the end of the season goals dried up.
I'm thinking Steve Cooper.

08 May 2024 11:16:27
That’s a good shout Ben. Forgot he was still outta work!

07 May 2024 20:03:30
Controversial opinion
Is it time we did an Arsenal and look at new anthem, something more modern and a bit more rousing . I'm beginning to think marching on together is sounding a little stale and dated.

07 May 2024 21:05:31
Er, no.

07 May 2024 21:28:16
Without wanting to sound too negative, no.

07 May 2024 22:01:51
No way sister.

07 May 2024 22:08:04
Absolutely not. We have the best anthem of all.

07 May 2024 22:18:01
How about 2 anthems. a new one and existing one.

07 May 2024 23:03:01
We should never change our anthem! Best Anthem in the world.

08 May 2024 09:56:25
Maybe kaiser chief could up date ours.

Oooooo marching on together!
Oh marching on together!

08 May 2024 11:16:46
Lol Ben!