please log in to view this image With the World Cup coming to a close, Leeds organised three friendly games to start getting the lads ready for our first league game on 28th December against Manchester City. I really wasn’t looking forward to going out in the cold tonight so dragged my heels a bit, but I knew once I got going, I’d be fine. We’d had some worries today with my grandson but after a few hours at the hospital, he’s turned a corner thank goodness. Earlier today in Halifax town centre there were no words needed when I walked past some workmen, as two gave me the Leeds salute which was immediately reciprocated as my arm is on automatic pilot where that is concerned. Team: Robles, Ayling, Cooper, Rodrigo, Klich, Gnonto, Kristensen, Roca, Struijk, Forshaw, Aaronson. Subs: Klaesson for Robles (45), Greenwood for Forshaw (45), Gelhardt for Aaronson (45), Hjelde for Cooper (45), Drameh for Kristensen (45), Gyabi for Roca (64), Joseph for Rodrigo (64), Perkins for Gnonto (77). Leeds won the game 2-1 after going a goal down with goals from Struijk (16), Rodrigo (58). Attendance: 22,826. Referee: Michael Salisbury. Booked: Roca, Hjelde. Having already played one game against Elche in Spain, this was the second one against Spanish opposition. When Real Sociedad scored from a header after 10 minutes after winning a free kick, it was normal service resumes. This time though, Leeds were level six minutes later after Roca sent a through pass to Struijk who hit a long range shot that went straight into the net. A great goal. After that it was a case of going through the motions although we were lucky when one of their players mishit the ball in the penalty area, when in a good position. Half time saw both teams’ level as we headed downstairs. The start of the second half saw Leeds make five substitutions with two for Real Sociedad. Leeds took the lead after some good work by Gnonto and Gelhardt which saw Rodrigo score to put Leeds into the lead for the first time. As the game was more about improving fitness levels, it wasn’t a surprise there weren’t many clear-cut chances although Real Sociedad did have plenty of possession. With Gnonto and Klich getting knocks during the game, I’m hoping there won’t be any impact from these as our injury list has already got plenty of players on it. As Leeds were attacking towards the Kop with approximately eight minutes left, there was a commotion in front of the East Stand. There was a lad invading the pitch being rugby tackled by some stewards. As he was being led round the ground past the South Stand, he was bouncing around and looked very happy, He might not look that way once he receives a ban! Leeds saw the game out to get the win by which time my feet were like blocks of ice. When we got knocked out of the Carabao Cup, many fans were saying we didn’t need the extra games due to our small squad. Ironically, we will have played three extra games over the Christmas period now not just one if we’d gone through to the next round! With our last game next Wednesday against Monaco, I do hope the weather turns milder as predicted. See you then, LUFC - Marching on Together with Follow Me and Leeds United. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Glad your grandson is okay Heidi and good point made about the cup game Question - Are you just a little disillusioned with the way we are now playing or the direction we’re in?
Once they sacked Bielsa that really knocked the stuffing out of me as I felt like everything we were working towards has gone within a few short months. Instead of building, I felt we had destroyed everything. On top of that my mum dying has meant that I've struggled emotionally for a long while and to be honest I didn't realise how much stress I was under until she died. I don't pre-judge games and take each game as it comes and make my judgement by what happens on the pitch. Only time will tell how things will progress from now. I know at one point I was just going through the motions but the one thing that has always helped me cope, is being at games with friends. The lack of Leeds football with the World Cup has impacted on me too but it's back on again now with the Monaco game on Wednesday before reality kicks back in. I think I'll wait a bit longer to see what happens next but it wouldn't take long to be disillusioned if things go badly wrong. I hope there's still light at the end of the tunnel though.
I just sensed in your writing that things were not quite as “exciting” but with so much going on away from football it’s understandable.
