Good Morning. It's Tuesday 7th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Why aren't the players fighting for their lives Believe it or not, but Gracia's side are a point worse off than they were at this very point last season, though their goal difference is not as bad (-28pts 21/22, as apposed to -11 this campaign). The Whites went on to pick up another four wins and three draws from their remaining 13 games to reach safety on the final day of the season (38pts). Looking back at the final dozen or so games from last season, there seemed to be more self belief in the players, even though (on paper at least) we have a much stronger squad today, than we did twelve months ago. In Leeds present predicament, I expect the players to be fighting for their lives, and I'm just not seeing it! It's almost as if they are willing to settle for defeat, as long as its a narrow defeat. To make matters worse, all the sides in and around Leeds are showing plenty of guile. Everton beat Arsenal, Southampton have picked up six points against Arsenal and Leicester City in recent weeks, and even plucky Bournemouth came close to recording a huge upset at the Emirates last weekend. Fortune favours the brave, but apparently not in West Yorkshire. Are they scared of taking risks in case of a backlash from fans if it goes wrong? please log in to view this image Newcastle lining up Koch Summer bid Robin Koch is reportedly assessing his options after being linked to a Summer Move to St James Park. The 26yo centre back is desperate to get noticed by German national coach Hansi Flick, after being overlooked for the World Cup last year, and a move to Newcastle Utd, and European football would give his chances not harm at all. Koch has 63 appearances to his name at Elland Road, since his £13m transfer from SC Freiburg. He has been one of the few positives in the last few seasons, and Leeds will be desperate to keep him. please log in to view this image How many points for survival Leeds survived on the final day of last season by the skin of their teeth. An unlikely 3 points at Brentford, coupled with Newcastle turning over Burnley meant Leeds would survive to fight another season. They invested heavily in the Summer, and again in the New Year, but to no avail. They need wins, and seven points from twelve games just doesn't cut it in the top flight. In the 2004/05 season, West Brom survived the drop with 34 points. Even today, that's the lowest benchmark in Premier League history for a club finishing their campaign in 17th position. Leeds are still twelve points shy of this minimum target, but with other teams at the wrong end of the table picking up point, what should be a realistic target to avoid the drop? please log in to view this image
Hope its less than 34 as that would be a big target for us. As for players settling for narrow defeats, not surprised as many fans seem happy with the same strangely
3 wins and 5 draws from remaining 13 games to get to 36 points. Totally achievable and should be enough. Lower points tally needed for survival this season because there are more teams struggling than usual.
yes rod found his feet under Jesse He's done great this year, his strike rate probably isn't sustainable and he's unlikely to be sharp if 'rushed' back from injury, but irrespective of that, it would be a huge boost to get him back. Seriously, though someone needs to have a word with Phil Hay always quoting xg. What does it even mean? Is there a more pointless stat? We just need to kick the ball in the net more often that the opposition kick it into ours. And the manager needs to tell them to kick it in the net. It's a simple game I tell ya.
Said to someone yesterday, we need to beat, Forest,Leicester, Bournemouth and Palace and find 4 draws from the other games.
SO WE DESERVE CREDIT FOR MAKING THEM LOOK AWFUL..surely ? Seem to remember they'd just come off an away win at Chelseas as well.
Or we might beat West Ham, Wolves, Brighton etc etc... Every game is winnable as this season has proved in the PL.
Could do but think it's better to beat those around us, which obviously includes West Ham. Had a look yesterday at all the bottom 8 fixtures, Leicester sem to have the nicest run in on paper but the others are pretty similarly tough, when we play each other will be telling.
Plenty of supporters seem to have forgotten that there are 8 other teams involved is this relegation scrap. So until the fat lady sings just keep fighting and what will be will be
Another positive spin could be that concessions under Marsch have cost us, but we have scored 29 goals this season way more than some so if Javi carries on closing the door and we start scoring again job done
We didn't make them look awful. Both teams were terrible, but we were less terrible, and got a lucky goal which their keeper should have saved.
Won’t improve. If players can’t kick a ball after 10 years coaching, they never will. It’s fantasy stuff believing a new coach will magically improve what they clearly can’t do
