Season after season I have moaned and groaned about us playing a weakened team for the FA Cup and whilst I don't want to see us lose three back to back games the cup game will be a massive welcome. That is one of Phillips 3 match bans out the way, it is an extra game for Cooper and Bamford to get nearer a return and if we do sign a new keeper it gives him a game that Bielsa can take a look at. We don't play Deby now for another 10 days, that gives us time to regroup, we can probably rest a couple of players and hopefully we'll have signed a couple by then Roofe, Pablo, Pontus - I would rest those three for the FA Cup 10 days off should see them raring to go against Derby
BPF should have come for the cross from the corner and punched the ball and Murphy's fkg head off, bit like Shilton should have done with Maradonna. Pntus is now getting agitated with him, i saw him having a word with him that ended up in him saying blah blah blah................ ffs.
Would we have took 5 wins and 2 defeats and top of the league by two points over the Christmas period? 1st December to 1st January Leeds 15 points Norwich 12 Points West Brom 12 ponits Sheff U 13 points Puts it into perspective We are playing well, we can pinpoint our weaknesses, we have reached January top of the leage and the transfer window is now open, we've already lost our star player, well he would have been this time last season and none of us care he has gone, we've moved forward masively. We are fine tweaks away from being very good.
Perversely quite enjoyed that game - loved the start of the 2nd half and the attitude of Bielsa and the team - the **** it we’ve only got 10 men but we’ll still be the better team. Thought it was a good performance and there was mistakes that cost us but the players have been told to play a certain way and given the freedom to play a certain way and some times it’s going to cost us but more often so far it’s worked for us and I’d much more watch our team lose like that then not even go for it to try and lose respectably or hold out for a set-piece. As for attacking the players - what’s the point? We always claim that we’ll support anybody who plays for the shirt and puts in an honest effort and I’m struggling to think of anybody this year who hasn’t done that. Yes people have made mistakes and had off days but they’ve all put the effort in (because they know if they don’t they’ll be off that pitch as quickly as Bielsa’s translator can send the message). There’s just no point attacking BPF - he’s turning up, trying his best and if that’s not good enough then it’ll be addressed in this transfer window.
Seriously though, it all may come down to the level of strengthening this month. Probably three possibilities 1 no additions. Result no promotion 2 loanees like Harrison and Roberts. Result may make top two depending if we get lucky with the loanees for once 3 three quality signings, keeper, Saiz replacement or someone to take pressure off Pablo if required and a fit striker, Roofe can’t do it alone and could pick up an injury. Result virtually assured promotion. If Bamford or brown play at some point they’ll be a bonus. Hell, if Radz can’t raise the cash, sell another share to the yanks. He’s better off with 80% of a pl club than 90% of a championship one
He's not the finished article at 22 and makes mistakes like the rest, but he's not as bad as some make out. And I've just seen he shares my birthday.
Have to say, when it happened I was a bit surprised, it was the old Phillips from a year ago rearing his head. I thought Bielsa had coached that side right out of him, since August he's been a lot calmer - perhaps another example of physically fit but mentally getting jaded? Marcelo will not be happy anyhow.
Wouldn't particularly blame BPF for any of the goals today, in fact his save just before HT kept us in it. Unfortunately there were far too many players in front of him who either had a poor touch, made the wrong decisions or failed to mark or close down properly which left us with too much to do to get anything from the game. If the question is would we benefit from having a more experienced keeper who's good at commanding his area from set pieces...then yes we probably would. However if you're going to lose a game, then at least do it gloriously playing with style and panache. A lot of neutrals will have watched that game today and thought Leeds are very much a team worth watching, which doesn't get you any points but is does give you a warm glow and a sense of pride.
Same birthday as BPF... Just bought Douglas's shirt... You'll be telling us Pontus is your boyfriend next.
