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08 Apr 2022 15:18:52
Some interesting articles at the moment. One being the accounts released on Thursday. £48m will be paid out in bonuses, should we avoid the drop back to the Championship. Last season £35m was paid out in bonuses after the drop was comfortably avoided with a 9th place finish.
This comes after a pre-tax profit of £26m for the 2020/ 21 season despite the impact of c.v. This being only the second time in 10 years the club has made an annual profit. Our final season in the Championship we posted a loss of £62m despite winning the title.
The annual turnover has leapt from £54m to £171m.
In the first summer window £68m was spent on signings - which also meant wages rising from £78m to £108m, leaving administrative costs totalling £152m.
I can't fault the way, Radz runs things financially. Certainly much better than we have previously had. No players have been sold for actual cash since the Championship, but money has still been spent on incoming transfers. In terms of what it has been spent on for the first team squad I do feel has been poor, barring the signing of Raphinha that was excellent. First team recruitment has not been good enough in my opinion. Which brings me to the next article.
Marsch, briefly spoke about the potential summer transfer strategy. Obviously it will significantly depend on what league we are in. He said that, Victor has a recruitment team of scouts, and data analysts that are responsible for any players coming in. He said he couldn't speak on behalf of, Marcello, but with the club having a Director of Football it was common practice transfers are dealt with by them. His job is coaching the first team. Now this does worry me. While I respect part of, Victor's job is the U18, U23 recruitment - which have enjoyed success, but the first team recruitment has fallen short. I want, Jesse to be giving a final approval on any signings for the first team, he'll be coaching.
Lastly, Marsch spoke about, Summerville. He spoke to him about off-field discipline. He's spoken to him about his behaviour and mentality and professional behaviour off the pitch. I'm not sure if there has been issues in the past, but Marsch is impressed that, Summerville is starting to take it all on board.
I expect we might see him get some minutes from the bench, but not a chance he starts ahead of Raphinha, James, Harrison. Before his hattrick, Summerville had scored 4 goals, and assisted once this season. That's hardly anything to get excited about. Interestingly, Dramah had the highest average rating for the U23's before his loan, but very poor ratings for his first team appearances. I do expect him to be a very good player for us in the coming seasons, but this year looked way out of his depth in the EPL when given the chance. Greenwood, Gelhardt, and Dean have been good performers for the U23's this year in a side that have struggled a lot in the league.
I haven't bothered reading the other big article of Phillips to Man U.
1.) 08 Apr 2022 15:45:18
MOT Jimmy has had disciplinary issues in past at Feyenoord (as previously posted) . Whole reason we landed him was due to this.
2.) 08 Apr 2022 16:15:00
MOT
Firstly Jimmy has now scored 7 goals in the EPL U23s but how many games, minutes has he actually played. Pretty sure he has missed quite a lot due to being needed sitting on the first team bench for first 11.
Secondly U23s are a good team when at full strength beating Pool 4 nil and 3 nil and Sc#m 3 nil .
Thirdly I share your concern re article implying Jesse Marsch seemingly not involved in recruitment ; Marsch must / has to be involved in which players are brought in.
I am hoping we also get a better DoF this summer or at the very least VO brings his very best A game.
3.) 08 Apr 2022 17:30:53
I did read something similar, George when we first signed him. I was unaware there had been any issues while, he had been with us though. Marsch does seem pleased with his progress - which is good news.
I would make the same argument, Baz as you that the U23's poor league position, and performances this year is largely down to some of the key players missing minutes because of being called up to the first team squad due to injuries. By that same argument though it must be said the first teams position is largely due to those same injuries. Injuries that have been from the very start of the season where we played Man U with Phillips and Llorente both missing through injury.
Summerville has played 748 minutes this season scoring 7 goals. Gelhardt 7 goals in 661 minutes. Tyler 'The Assassin' Roberts 1 goal in 45 minutes.
Summerville is absolutely talented, and I hope we hang onto him. My opinion though is he is currently too lightweight, and doesn't look like he could manage more than 45 minutes in the EPL. Reminds me a little of Jack Clarke, but with scarier pace, and trickery. James though for me with his none-stop running, great energy and work rate is currently the better option while Bamford is out because we miss his high pressing, and at the very least, James gives us similar.
I agree, and at the very least hope someone is brought in to work along side, Victor. It will probably be our most important summer window, and I don't think, Orta should be solely responsible for it. I, like you have suggested, would prefer a new DoF responsible for first team recruitment along side Marsch giving his approval. Possibly put, Victor in charge of youth recruitment and development.
4.) 08 Apr 2022 21:21:03
The recruitment process will be the same as with Bielsa. Marsch will say what attributes he needs from players in each position then scouts and Orta will identify options which will then be presented to Marsch for his decision on preferred options.
27 Mar 2022 18:49:23
A good shout, George with, Puig and, Mingueza as part of a deal for, Raphinha.
Sweaty, also suggesting the same with a higher fee.
Some reports today suggest, Rapha has agreed terms with Barcelona, and given his assurances that, he'll not sign for any other club. If it is true that, Deco is indeed employed by Barcelona as a scout then this one stinks a little. Essentially it takes away Leeds' ability to negotiate a transfer fee in a bidding war scenario.
Is there a conflict of interest? Deco's employer Barcelona FC or his client Raphinha? Because I would argue, Deco has eliminated other fantastic opportunities for, Raphinha if a gentleman's agreement has been made. Liverpool as an example are less likely to put a bid into Leeds now if it is common knowledge, Raphinha will join Barcelona once a fee has been agreed between the two clubs. While, Barcelona is one of the best places for a player to play football, it is still a team being rebuilt now under Xavi - whom is a relatively inexperienced manager/ head coach. Given the option of Liverpool with Klopp in charge I would certainly want to at least hear what Liverpool had to say, and offer.
Unfortunately I think it means Leeds won't be able to hang onto Rapha until after the World Cup, and will be pushed into selling him in the summer because of the position they have been put in by, Deco. If the rumoured release clauses are to be believed then it means £25m if relegated, and if we achieve EPL status for next season then the release clause will £75m. It might explain the rumoured bid from West Ham in January. Barcelona won't want to pay the £75m because as I understand it, it means they can't structure the deal in instalments with potential addons to trigger the release clause, and are rumoured not to have the funds to pay a full outright £75m. Very few clubs do now pay a full fee outright. My guess would be a fee closer to £60m structured over 2 years.
Stinks! I hope for some top performances from, Raphinha, and our Premiership status confirmed for next year before we get to that Brentford game.
1.) 27 Mar 2022 19:10:24
MOT : do you think Daniel Levy of Spuds or other of his ilk would allow Deco or any agent to dictate matters or be selling Raph 6 months before the World Cup ( after which his value is likely to be more in Jan 2023 window? )
2.) 27 Mar 2022 19:18:49
I am inclined to believe the rumoured R clause but don't believe there is any other rumoured release clause (alleged £75 million)
3.) 27 Mar 2022 21:23:46
Baz, no I don't think Spurs or Levy would, and have proven so in the past, and more recently with, Kane. Leeds are not Spurs though, nor are they an established top 6 EPL club. In my opinion We are not as a club in a luxury position to have a player of Raphinha's quality sat on the bench like Spurs did with Kane at the beginning of the season because his performances weren't up to standard. Whatever rumour you choose to believe of Kane sulking or refusing to play at times, his performances were not as good as they had/ have been in past seasons. I don't feel Leeds can risk a similar situation with Raphinha, but I am also not suggesting he would sulk, and under perform. Hence me suggesting Deco's antics in my opinion will force Leeds to sell in the summer. I would love for Radz to be in a position to say "we paid £17m for him, he has two years on his contract and is going nowhere, so either he performs or doesn't play, risking his International career. " It's just not realistic.
I like the suggestion, George and, Sweaty made with a deal including one or two players that could make a deal feel like everyone is getting a good deal. The one player I would want from Barcelona though is, Gavi who I think would not only fill the void left by Rapha, but also give us something that's been missing since Pablo departed. He looks more a threat through the middle. Sadly I think there is more chance of me getting signed up.
It's not unusual for foreign players to have a release clause, and more often than not it is a release clause to Champions League clubs. I'm more concerned that with West Ham supposedly putting bids in for both Rapha and Phillips in January were they testing the water knowing both players have relegation releases in their contracts? Take £50m now or risk getting relegated and losing them at half price at £25m a piece. It certainly makes the clubs recruitment policy, and confidence in January look all the more risky.
4.) 28 Mar 2022 04:38:53
What MOT said.
11 Mar 2022 13:20:40
I would like to add;
I don't believe in any of the 'Bielsa didn't want any players. '
I've not heard or read him say, he didn't want any incoming players. I have heard him say the club are not in a position to bring in players at this time to improve on what we have in the squad. That a backup player for a position would cost in the region of 20 million. That doesn't to me translate as him refusing players coming in. On the contrary, he spoke of his trust in, Orta recruiting. The likes of Poveda for example, Bielsa said when asked about him, he knew nothing about the player, but trusted, Orta who did a good job in getting young players in.
Everything I have read from Bielsa interviews suggest, he has little to do with the recruitment. He coaches the players. Things like, he agreed to stay on in the Championship but was told because of FFP some of the squad would need to be sold, and replaced with loans. Jansson out with White in, Roofe out with Nketiah in for example.
Some suggest, Bielsa has had too much power, too much say on things, but I suggest it's the opposite and, Orta has been given too much control on recruitment. I don't imagine Ferguson being told by a DOF a player was coming in without his say so, and must play. In fact some suggest Ferguson has too much say even now at Man U. I know it is now often the job of a DOF at clubs. Some that have full control over transfers. It's my view that this is because managers rarely last long, and if for example they are the ones bringing in a 6'6 striker because they want a target man, and it doesn't work out the next manager might have no use for that player with his own style. A situation we possibly find ourselves in now.
I respect Orta has rebuilt the U18's and U23's after Cellino scrapped it, but with the exception of Raphinha all first team recruitment has been incredibly poor. I know some say the major failings have been not bringing players in during transfer windows, and to a degree I agree, but at the start of our first season back in the EPL Angus said the window would be for the season and next - hence the 100 million spend. Now, we have actually brought more in with, Firpo and James joining, and nobody actually leaving for a fee to bring money in. We spent, but we spent very poor.
I feel sorry for, Marsch. If Orta remains in charge of recruitment I hope, Marsch has a final say on who comes in. For next season whatever league we are in, decide who will work in the managers system and whom won't work. Back the manager! Get rid of those that won't and thus deemed surplus to requirements and identify targets who will.
1.) 11 Mar 2022 17:53:07
MOT Just because Bub stated the obvious when it comes to financial outlay doesn't mean the board refused to pay it. Maybe that statement was Bub's cover to make you think that. Don't forget what AK said about incoming transfers being unlikely in January due to such window notoriously harder to achieve good deals and Bub's "exacting standards". Either way someone lying. I'll side with AK and what John Giles recently revealed. It was Bub who rejected incoming players. Remember he has form for intransigence. He refused to adapt his style of play which cost him his job. It all should have gone different.
2.) 11 Mar 2022 18:57:57
Exactly, George. There will often be 2 stories with one contradicting the other. It's which you choose to believe. When, Bielsa is on camera saying the club isn't in a position to bring in cover for each position because it would cost 20 million, I interpreted that as him defending Victor and the club not covering himself when the man has taken responsibility for every poor performance. If, he was rejecting transfers presented to him by, Orta then I form the opinion of it being because, he didn't think the player in question was an improvement. What manager/ head coach would reject a player coming in that is going to improve the team, thus making his job easier? While there are may things I agree with you on, George, there are some I disagree on. One being that this season suddenly everyone worked out how we played and how to counter it. We have played the same way under him since he came in, so that's 2 seasons in the Championship, and 1 season in the Premiership. It's taken 3 seasons for other coaches to sus us out? All I can say is the likes of Pep are massively overpaid then taking so long, and when, Rogers said before the Leicester game it would be no surprise how Leeds would set up under, Marsch or how we would try to play, he was misleading everyone.
The players have been poor all season, the first team recruitment very poor, and injuries to key players that are vital to the system we set up with out for long periods.
Bielsa is gone and that's the end of it. I support Leeds, and will support, Marsch for as long as he is in charge. I feel the man has a near impossible job now though. I hope the club support him fully if we do drop, so he can implement his own ideas fully with the players he himself wants.
3.) 11 Mar 2022 19:36:28
MOT Yes it has taken these seasons to suss. They probably didn't do any homework in our season back preferring instead just to play us and take us on face value. Once they studied the EPL video from last season though we were done. Players have been below standard though regardless. Combination of many wrong things led to our demise, not just one.
4.) 11 Mar 2022 19:52:26
George!
I'll side with AK!
I’m sorry George but we can no longer be friends 😞.
5.) 11 Mar 2022 20:14:33
Class Are you saying Bielsa didn't have exacting standards? AK is a manipulation merchant but he got that one right I feel. Let me be clear though. I've never liked him. Don't like any ðŸ.
6.) 11 Mar 2022 20:45:58
That helps George that helps ðŸ‘
Can’t remember what the subject was now George I went into severe shock when agreeing with the mongoose snake eater🤣.
11 Mar 2022 12:48:11
Last night was as close to the playoff defeat to Derby for me in terms of what it felt like inside Elland Road. We lead Derby 1-0 from the first leg, and were leading 1-0 at home. Right before Half time - well we know what happened! And when that first went in for the Rams you could feel the energy sucked out of the crowd. We were going in at half time still winning the tie, still on our way to Wembley, but the atmosphere had turned sour with negativity. Last night the first went in, and it felt the same.
I mentioned my concern over the Spurs result against Everton. Yes the result was exactly what we wanted, but the manor of a 5 hammering not. My reasoning being that as fans have time to gain some perspective they might possibly see that Spurs, Man U have far, far, far better quality available to them, and Liverpool are a million miles away. More realistic winnable games were to come though. The decision to install a new manager can't be understated as a huge one, and huge gamble. It shouldn't go ignored that Villa have Coutinho and Ings who when on form are exceptional, and Ramsey who looks to have a very promising career ahead, but fresh in the minds of fans is the 3-3 at Villa, so at minimum were expecting the same in a draw - if not better at home. And if not better then why change manager?
And, so what I already felt was a very tough ask of any manager/ coach coming in now feels like an impossible one with the fans turning, and asking questions.
With the exception of, Raphinha, Rodrigo, James, Firpo, last night was the same average midtable second tier players that had been drilled by Bielsa - transformed to perform better than they ever had before. I'm not saying, Marsch is the wrong man for the job, but saying anyone taking over at this stage of the season - with no preseason to implement a new philosophy is more likely to fail than succeed. In my opinion the bulk of the squad got us here through out working, out fighting, and out running the opposition. Certainly not being more naturally, technically gifted players. Play to your players strengths. Sadly, Marsch is very limited with the players we have that can play any way other than the way his predecessor had.
On to Norwich. Let's get behind Marsch and the lads. Let's get the 3 points. Let's hope for better. ALAW!
1.) 11 Mar 2022 13:28:49
Jesse was the right man because he was free of charge .
Wuth our miser chairmans blessing Victor tued up a deal double quick .
Funny how player in deals are never tied up as quick 🤔🤔🤔.
2.) 11 Mar 2022 19:34:50
Diego Martinez would have been free of charge too and other managers are also currently available, so to suggest he was brought in just for that reason is being far too simplistic.
3.) 11 Mar 2022 22:50:06
Yes clu, but of those 2, who do you seriously believe will have commanded the lesser salary?
08 Mar 2022 17:14:40
There is the potential for the Spurs vs Everton result doing, Marsch no favours at all. With many not expecting Leeds to get any points from the Man U, Liverpool, and Spurs games it was very much focus on Leicester, and more so home games against Villa, and Norwich. Now, what many football fans know is that when Kane and Son are at it they are a nightmare for anyone. Kane is one of the best strikers in the world, and certainly turned up at Elland Road less than two weeks ago. Spurs showed against Everton how they have so much more quality and experience at the highest of levels that if you are not switched on and performing at your best they will punish you. We suffered 4 past us while Everton watched 5 find the back of the net.
After 4-2 against Man U and the humbling - further proof of Liverpool being one of the best in the world, 4 from Spurs turned out to be 4 too many.
Why could this potentially not do, Marsch any favours? Well, if any fans needed reminding Spurs on their day can stick 4 past someone, they got reminded with the 5 they stuck past Everton, and now with still a significant majority of Leeds fans asking was it right to relieve Bielsa of his duties, they will be asking it in full voice if we fail to beat Villa and Norwich at home.
I believe something needed changing. Having had the spine of the team out for so long in Cooper, Phillips, and Bamford it's been a big ask and awful season, but the man marking all over the pitch has lead to us being carved open far too often. Was the change replacing Bielsa with someone who has no experience in the EPL? For me with 12 games to go it was a big, big gamble when the majority of this team have only enjoyed success one way and that's been the Bielsa way. There was plenty I was encouraged by against Leicester, but they weren't great, and we again failed to score, and, well, we got nothing. Personally I think, Marsch would have been a great appointment at the end of the season.
We will never know if Bielsa had stayed if we would have got anything against Leicester. Same with the upcoming Villa and Norwich games, but I have a feeling we would.
If we do go down I believe Marsch has already said about staying on, but then its a completely new challenge, and different beast in the Championship. Will, he be the right man then for promotion with what will be a very different looking team? We know one man capable of it is, Bielsa, but sadly regardless of what league we are in next season I feel it would have been without the great man anyway.
It is what it is. It's Jesse we have. I've liked some of what I have seen, and plenty of what I've heard. We march on.
1.) 08 Mar 2022 17:45:22
MOT
Bottom line is that currently Leeds along with Watford Burnley, Norwich Everton and possibly Brentford are in a relegation scrap, so Spurs beating Everton did do Leeds and Jesse a favour.
A 4 nil home loss, a 5 nil away loss MOT is pretty much the same thing : awful, and no doubt MB followers, minions have already conveniently erased the disgraceful 3 nil drubbing by that said Everton against Leeds
Leeds under Bielsa had been mediocre to awful all season and in tbe last 6 matches of MB, LUFC was tbe worst team in the EPL on form and goals concession
The even bigger bottom line is that most of the players had clearly lost faith and confidence in Bielsa and more than several had stopped giving 100% . when that happens that is the end of a Manager.
2.) 08 Mar 2022 18:50:03
What we needed to change was the playing squad. The board failed to act when they should have (summer and Jan) and have used Bielsa as the scapegoat. With the right support and a decent squad Bielsa proved that he could take us high up the league but he got nothing and the team and our PL status is suffering as a result. To change manager with the self same issues of a weak playing squad doesn't address things for me but by the time the board actually changed something there was only one change they could make (other than do the decent thing and fall on their swords) . Whatever happens now if is impossible to say whether Bielsa would have been able to get us out of this predicament but I do believe he would have won this run of 3 games and we would have been in a much stronger position going into the final stretch. Now, I just don't know.
3.) 08 Mar 2022 19:17:41
Baz
I haven't conveniently erased the 3 nil by Everton, nor erased the 3-3 at Villa previous to that, or indeed the 2-3 at West Ham before the Newcastle game. There had been plenty of fight and spirit during those games. The Newcastle game was a terrible result, but not performance. We dominated large parts of the game with them set up to frustrate us, and as Newcastle have now proved with recent displays they have enough to get out of trouble with that squad, and nicking a 1 nil away at ours that could be argued they didn't deserve is less of a catastrophe, and shock.
I haven't seen anything to suggest the players had lost faith in Bielsa. Given the comments made from the likes of Cooper, Phillips, and Bamford I suspect they would disagree. Given the three mentioned have been unable to get on the pitch at the same time this season, and are such a key part of our system that - it's surely hard to say most of the players had lost faith and weren't giving 100%. Raphinha, Rodrigo, maybe.
You can drop sly insults in with; minions or Lemmings. There are still a very large number of fans that appreciate what Bielsa achieved, and question if it was the right decision to let him go at this stage of the season. I like, Marsch and think he is an excellent successor to Bielsa, but at this moment in time when we are deep in a relegation battle with now 11 games to go is it the correct time to bring him in with a change of philosophy, and no previous experience in the EPL.
If we don't beat both Villa and Norwich at home and fans start to think 'well Spurs also hammered Everton and we got hammered by Liverpool, but they can hammer anyone. Was it really time to hit the panic button because of those results and sack Bielsa for someone that is so far unproven in the league? '
You don't have to like Bielsa, Baz, and can hate the fact a lot love him more than Wilko, but the fact remains the man is loved, and gave us premier league football after 16 years when everyone before him failed. No one came close. Not Monk who as you said narrowly missed out on the playoffs with players like Forshaw, Roofe, Dallas, Pablo. Firstly, Forshaw wasn't at Leeds when Monk was in charge. Roofe scored 3 goals that season, and often didn't start over Doukara. Pablo hit 6, and had Sacko to contend with for starts. We finished 5 points off the playoffs and largely relied on Chris Wood - whom finished top scorer in the league I believe.
I hope Marsch keeps us up. I like his ideas and think he will be a top coach at the top level. let's all hope he was the right man at the right time and we do or we could be down waiting another 16 years.
4.) 08 Mar 2022 20:15:41
Alf
Obviously definitely concur re board and the past 2 windows
MOT LUFC
A good reply post, respect.
5.) 08 Mar 2022 20:19:52
alf said before and say it again never never trust Radz he put one on us over the ground, so MB getting the sack is no surprise.
6.) 09 Mar 2022 05:19:04
Alf Bub no scapey. It was him who turned down incoming transfers. Bub should've been fired for this alone. He didn't understand the competition he was in and desired an increase in murderball. Lost the dressing room. He effectively became the captain of the Olympic. 🚢.
12 Apr 2022 15:30:53
In that case, Baz I hope, Marsch opts not to bring, Firpo back in to the starting line ups this season. I hope, Firpo proves me wrong, and under the new management gets a chance to do so next season, but for me not this season while we still need points. He has stood out as the poor performer every time, he has featured, and that takes some doing. Under the new system and management, he could thrive next year, but I hope we are still looking for a left back in the summer.
Clu, I remember after our first year under, Bielsa, he said in an interview it was a lot to ask of the same players to go again with the same intensity for a another season in the Championship. One can assume the reason for, Bielsa staying that second year was his belief in those players getting to another level of fitness, and being able to mentally recover from the disappointment of the playoffs. I assume, he had the same opinion before this season in that, he felt the players could go again, and as you point out took the players to Becketts to see what other improvements could be achieved.
Excellent point about the patterns of play, and mental side of things. As I have previously mentioned, I like the fact, Marsch has changed the tempo of play. I think this enables the players more time to reset, and think on the ball. A more patient build up if you will.
Key long term injuries to Bamford, Cooper, and Phillips have had a major effect, but there has been so many short term, niggles that have equally disrupted the team.
I agree every player is different. Some more susceptible to injury than others. Every player has been carrying a knock at some time or another, but, Harrison, Dallas, Raphinha, James for example have missed very little time through injury. Roberts also until recently. Most of the injuries have happened during a competitive match, and not training, where it is suggested the murderball sessions are more intense than the competitive matches.
Anyway I'm enjoying every game in the EPL, and I'm confident I wouldn't be able to do so if not for, Bielsa.
12 Apr 2022 13:06:26
Since, Jesse has been in charge we've had multiple injuries! Firpo, who originally was unlikely to feature again this season, but now is making good progress. If, he does feature again, he is only one yellow away from a ban, so that might please, Baz. Roberts is out for the season. Bamford out for the season, and, Jesse has said himself, he doesn't want to make the same mistake with, Phillips indicating, he gave, Bamford minutes too soon. Forshaw missed the Watford game through an injury. Gelhardt has picked up numerous injuries since, Jesse has been here. Most have picked up injuries during a game just the same as under, Bielsa. Cooper, Phillips, Bamford all injured in games, not training.
For three seasons I don't remember people complaining players were over trained or brought back into the team too soon. In fact I remember people liked to boast we were the fittest team in the league.
Of course if we are relegated, Bielsa will get the blame by most. And, rightfully so, he has to take some of the responsibility. But of course it's nothing to do with unforeseen, uncontrollable injuries, underperforming players, poor recruitment, poor refereeing decisions against us. But, if we stay up, he will get no credit for the points already on the board, and the fact that other than the start of the season we have not occupied a spot in that bottom three for most of the season.
Bielsa is gone. Bielsa is a legend. Marsch is in charge, and I am looking forward to seeing what, he brings. More so next season in the Premiership.
08 Apr 2022 17:30:53
I did read something similar, George when we first signed him. I was unaware there had been any issues while, he had been with us though. Marsch does seem pleased with his progress - which is good news.
I would make the same argument, Baz as you that the U23's poor league position, and performances this year is largely down to some of the key players missing minutes because of being called up to the first team squad due to injuries. By that same argument though it must be said the first teams position is largely due to those same injuries. Injuries that have been from the very start of the season where we played Man U with Phillips and Llorente both missing through injury.
Summerville has played 748 minutes this season scoring 7 goals. Gelhardt 7 goals in 661 minutes. Tyler 'The Assassin' Roberts 1 goal in 45 minutes.
Summerville is absolutely talented, and I hope we hang onto him. My opinion though is he is currently too lightweight, and doesn't look like he could manage more than 45 minutes in the EPL. Reminds me a little of Jack Clarke, but with scarier pace, and trickery. James though for me with his none-stop running, great energy and work rate is currently the better option while Bamford is out because we miss his high pressing, and at the very least, James gives us similar.
I agree, and at the very least hope someone is brought in to work along side, Victor. It will probably be our most important summer window, and I don't think, Orta should be solely responsible for it. I, like you have suggested, would prefer a new DoF responsible for first team recruitment along side Marsch giving his approval. Possibly put, Victor in charge of youth recruitment and development.
07 Apr 2022 18:02:14
Results under, Marsch;
Leicester 1-0 Leeds. Leeds 0-3 Villa. Leeds 2-1 Norwich. Wolves 2-3 Leeds. Leeds 1-1 Southampton. Pts7. GF6 GA8
Same clubs earlier this season under, Bielsa;
Leeds 1-1 Leicester. Villa 3-3 Leeds. Norwich 1-2 Leeds. Leeds 1-1 Wolves. Southampton 1-0 Leeds. Pts6 GF7 GA7
Not much difference there in terms of goals scored, and goals conceded. More home games under, Jesse though, and games I had expected we had a better chance of winning. The Villa game for me was the worst performance I've seen for a long time, and the first half against Wolves wasn't far off.
I mentioned to, George on a post awhile back that something had to change tactically with the man marking. While I think we agreed on a fair bit, one differing thing was, I didn't believe we could tactically continue with the man marking over the entire pitch while we had key players like Bamford, Phillips, and Cooper out. I was of the opinion, and still am, that once we got key players back we would get the results required to stay up, but a change was needed to tighten up defensively.
We got a change in, Jesse. I questioned the timing of it given how many games are left, but, he would have been right up their on my wish list to take over in the summer, so if we stay up then fantastic, it can't really be questioned given, Bielsa was stepping down in the summer anyway.
Defensively we still look awful, and all over the place. One notable thing I very much like that, Jesse is responsible for is the change of tempo. Yes, I absolutely loved watching the relentless tempo under, Bielsa, but quite honestly the majority of the players are a long way off the standard to manage it. Or at least at this level. Everytime I have watched under, Marsch I've seen him, and senior players shouting for calm, to slow down! Where before the team would hear shouts to get the ball back in play straight away from a throw-in, they are told to calm, reset, and compose themselves. I like that because I think it means we are less likely to give the ball away in dangerous positions.
Watford will be a tough game under, Roy. 3 points will mean 3 closer to me not enduring my worst nightmare for the season - which is having to go to Brentford last game of the season needing at least a point.
27 Mar 2022 21:30:02
Absolutely, Dougie. However I do think a player can negotiate, and sign a precontract with a club abroad when his current deal has six months remaining. Something similar was said to be happening last season with, Alioski. That's certainly not the case with Raphinha, so if todays reports are true it stinks. A statement from the club, player or even the despicable Deco himself refuting recent reports before the Southampton game would be nice.