Good Morning. It's Thursday 12th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Bielsa putting pen to paper is just a 'formality' Marcelo Bielsa is ready to commit to a fourth season at Elland Road according to Managing Director Angus Kinnear, speaking on the 'Square Ball Leeds Utd podcast' earlier this week! Kinnear said: When asked why it had taken so long to get the paperwork signed, Kinnear revealed that the Argentine wasn't big on paperwork! please log in to view this image Leeds to revive interest in Kent Many media sources including the Daily Express are suggesting that Leeds will revive their interest in Rangers winger Ryan Kent after being dumped out of Europe by Malmo! There is no secret that the former former Liverpool academy player is a firm favourite of Marcelo Bielsa. He signed for the Scottish Champions two years ago have spent a successful season on loan at Ibrox! Rangers paid just 6.5m for Kent's services (plus bonuses based on appearances) Rangers were dependant on reaching the Champions League group stages, but needed to beat Swedish outfit Malmo. Unfortunately for the 'Gers', they lost both legs 2-1. This would have netted them an extra 30m. By selling their star winger to Leeds, they would be able to recoup two thirds of that money! please log in to view this image Hjelde set to sign Leeds have agreed a fee with Celtic for Norwegian Youth International Leo Hjelde. The 6' 3 centre back, who doesn't turn 18 until later this month is set to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch later today The Hoops were undoubtedly keen to keep the youngster at Celtic Park but the lure of the Premiership was too much. Hjelde had one year left on his contract, and was adamant is wasn't going to be extended. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Ross County where he caught the eye of Leeds scouts! please log in to view this image
Morning all, So two days to go to our first game of the season and get another sports columnist has decided that we are suspect at the back and this will be why we will not do as well this year. Lasy journalism strikes again as this person has clearly not taken the time to look into why we were suspect at the back last year - injured defenders /bedding in new players etc He's also not taken the time to analyse what happened when those players were not injured and were bedded in - less goals conceded, especially from set pieces, and form that was top two worthy. If these players carry on that form why would we struggle?
The problem with journos is that they are like broken clocks that are correct twice every day. They just throw up so many stories that one is bound to be right at some stage. Just like the stupid female pundit last season, these journos dont do homework, dont look at stats, just make shyt up and hope. Unemployable
The amount of cash that some clubs chuck around to sign a player clearly demonstrates the stupidity inside football. At Leeds we rely on one if the greatest football coaches who ever lived to: Improve players rather than spend big money on new players. Get players fitter than their colleagues at other clubs so that they have more chance of winning Use data analysis for the benefit of players, medics and results. Yes we could go out and give Conte £15m per year like he got at Milan last season, we could go out and get rid of Ayling, Cooper, Dallas and Klich and replace with much more expensive versions. Does it guarantee winning the league? No it guarantees that at some stage soon the club fails, and the club falls in value, entertainment value and goes bust. Last year we spent £27m on one player and we are happy enough, even though we see clubs like Burnley, Newcastle, Villa, Wolves, Palace, Brighton, Southampton spend more. What value Bielsa
This shows exactly why Bielsa is the best coach in the world at this time. There are great managers out there who when given great players can be successful. The fact that Bielsa can take ordinary players and turn them into great players is far more impressive. This is why I have no fear of signing O Brien from Huddersfield. If he is a good player now inane what he will be soon.
Bielsa hasn't had the money to throw at players like clubs like Man city, Scum, Chelsea etc, so what he has acheived is even more remarkable Imo.
Totally agree with this with regards to Bielsa. However, we do have to forward plan as each season might be his last here, so you do need to get in better quality players because will another coach get the same from the players you mentioned? Previous coaches certainly didn’t.
Morning all I don’t believe we’re interested in Kent apart from the lad from Huddersfield I think we’re done on the transfer market
Last seasons bench was a joke early in the season. When we had the players back we had a bench that consisted of Alioski, Klich, Cooper, Roberts, Costa, Poveda and Koch. 5 internationals this season will be slightly better than that and more or less straight from the start of the season and we now have Ayling spoken about as getting an England call
Nine players on the bench this season Doc. Some will get splinters as they'll never get used but you'd definitely rather be on it than not.
Does anyone know what, if anything, is planned pre match against Everton ? So many club legends have sadly passed away during the covid period and that obviously needs a minutes silence at the very least. On a more positive note though it's our first PL home game with a full attendance since we won the Championship. Most of us just didn't have the opportunity to celebrate that with the players or see the trophy paraded. Obviously a lot of time and water has flowed under the bridge since then but the club did say we'd all celebrate together when we could.
Just in case any of you were wondering where the majority of new seats will end up after the West Stand redevelopment. Hospitality v Liverpool 12th September 2021 Bremner Suite £234 pp (sold out) Centenary Pavilion £420 pp (limited availability) Leeds Lounge £420 pp (good availablity) Can only wonder what the astonomical prices will be in the Norman Hunter Suite or it's equivalent after the rebuild.
He sort of confirmed it in his Press Conference I believe Doc although, as ever, not straightforward to understand what he actually said!!
Seems Junior & Shackleton are available for selection along with Phillips. Means only Llorente missing for the season opener.
My understanding is that Bielsa and the club have had an agreement for a while now, but Bielsa just hadnt signed the contract. Llorente going to be out for another couple of weeks, so who will be starting as CBs? If Phillips starts then Koch and Cooper for me
