We don't have the best individuals, or the best squad, but by fook if you cut any of our lads in half, you will find LUFC, running right through the best team in the league, Luke Ayling ran the length of the pitch in the 89 th minute of the game to cross for Pablo, then Meslier ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with Pablo, money can't buy that. Come on Leeds
Bielsa has got them really committed, no doubt about that... whether they bleed Leeds like the fans want to believe is another matter. They’re professional footballers and like any professional sportsmen they want to win. It doesn't matter anyway... All you can ask is if they pull on the shirt they give their all. They’ve done that week in week out.
As good a player as he was Pontus had an attitude. Bielsa wants robots so he was going to struggle to fit the mould. I wouldn't swap White or Cooper for him. I also saw on a Baggies board that they think Bartley has cost them loads of points this season, they're crying out for Bilic to pick Hegazi. There's no I in team, especially for Bielsa.
There’s a particular bond in striving to achieve as a closed group though, as many of our ex-forces community might confirm - in a sporting context that feeling of belonging and being in it together elevates the experience above just getting paid or getting the job done. After two seasons of relentless effort, straining for success, enduring and overcoming much disappointment, there seems to me to be a bit of a Band of Brothers mentality in the squad. Add to that the support of the owner and staff - remember the TV comments on Thursday about the director’s support in an empty stadium - and the way these players see past legends being celebrated and respected week in & week out by the club. Add to that the promise of the undying love and admiration of the best and most loyal fan base in the country for decades to come. And the chance to be able to say in 25 years, “Yes, I played for the great Bielsa team of 2020 when we won the Championship title” Fanciful? Maybe - but after today I’m a bit Roy of the Rovers all over, it’s like I was 10 again.
Hey Davy. If ever there was a time for Roy of the Rovers stuff... now is it. I agree re the in it together.. the team has been together a while and is near as damn it the side that choked last year... I don’t doubt that adds an extra something. Certain managers seem to get a spirit of togetherness more than others - though I don’t think that’s bielsa’s thing. He’s intense and distant - I think the band of brothers mentality comes from the small squad and continuity. I’m sure most of us have played team sports to some level or other and would have a sense of that. The club, the fans the history? Maybe but I’m less convinced on that one. All conjecture anyway
Onwards, next game Barnsley a relatively comfortable win earlier in the season, but lets not forget 10 men Wigan from last season!
