Leeds Banter Archive January 12 2020

12 Jan 2020 17:48:03
Been reading that new signing? Ian Poveda. He did not take kindly to being demoted to City's U23s. Good luck to him at Thorpe Arch.

12 Jan 2020 17:58:16
Just read the same thing and thought the same thing as you. Another strange scenario we have fot ourselves into.

12 Jan 2020 17:58:50
Demoted? He only played one first team game and that wasn’t his debut.

12 Jan 2020 18:24:47
Martyn the point trying to be made is players could get turned off coming here if what awaits a premiership player is the odd 10 minutes slot or else playing with the kids, regardless of Ian's playing stats he was a Manchester City player so by extension you'd imagine his ability should not be in question before the step up to 1st team.

12 Jan 2020 19:36:57
Do we really need another winger? It likely he will sit on the bench as Harrison and Pablo won't be dropped by Bielsa. An attacking or centre midfielder would be more us (and a striker of course)

12 Jan 2020 22:11:12
Harrison, Pablo, Costa and one or two U 23s are all in contention for two slots. He just joins the queue.

13 Jan 2020 08:53:52
You'd have thought he'd be ahead of the U23s, which is unfortunate in some ways, but if he can play anything up to the standard he appears to be capable of, he would seem to more likely to affect the game than they would currently.

Also consider the psychological effect on the opposition. Saturday's substitution of Stevens for Costa can only have emboldened the Wendies to step things up, having seen off Costa and with little fear that Stevens could hurt them - and we saw the result of that. Poveda coming on instead would likely have given them rather more pause for thought, having more experience and at a higher level.

13 Jan 2020 09:53:36
If you only play one first team game how can that not be your debut?

12 Jan 2020 17:11:54
Still a couple of weeks to go but, this window and the two previous windows have been very disappointing for me.
We have just not seen the level of investment required and this has cost us dear.
Two more quality players (6) in each of these windows could have made all the difference.
Its very hard to do it on the cheap as Rads appears to be trying to do.
Plus even if you do go up, its proved too late to then invest, as most of these teams struggle.
You need to go up with a strong squad capable of competing over the full season in the top flight, then add a couple of quality players on top.
If we start to struggle, it could be time to use the youngster's as they might prove better than stale, tired players lacking form and suffering from fatigue. At least they will have fresh legs.

12 Jan 2020 18:03:35
Leeds 1970, Radz is a chancer trying to do recruitment generally on the cheap

. but even Radz surely must know that this window is his best and probably last chance to get promoted under his tight ownership.

. so I suspect that even Radz and Orta will now loosen the purse strings to try to facilitate new ( loan to buy) signings this window . problem is recruitment should have been done properly last summer. not with 2 weeks to go in Jan window. much harder, much less time, much less availability.

12 Jan 2020 19:11:01
Vid in starting to think you’re not gone on Rad!

12 Jan 2020 19:15:25
Too right Cork. i am clearly not a fan of the Italian Chancer.

12 Jan 2020 14:48:22
Has Bielsa gained his reputation for the free flowing quality of his football. For the delight to the eye. For the pleasure to watch, for it certainly isn't for the trophies won or the titles gained. For all his advances at Leeds, and we should be forever grateful, his flaws may each year ultimately doom us to abject, but glorious, failure.

Why can't he; work with a larger squad, give U23s a chance instead of flogging a small squad to death in what is a demanding system, see the failings of some of his "pets", for once have a Plan B. In essence stop being so intransigent. I maybe being greedy and I know we are second and I know we have a 6 point gap but I know what happened last year and I know first hand the taste of failure many times before I just want the great man to loosen up and learn this year.

12 Jan 2020 15:26:18
The "small squad" statement was spin by Rads and Co to cover up for a lack of investment in players.
They twisted MB's words around, a statement about working intensely with players to get the best out of them and not undertaking this work with players who had no chance of playing.
His view was it was better to work with smaller numbers to get the most out of players who can reach the levels required and this then became, he likes working with a small squad.
MB says the players fitness levels are good on all the test but that doesn't cover players being stale and loosing form.

12 Jan 2020 16:24:19
Was it only a few weeks ago it was 11 point gap, or am I going mad after what I saw yesterday? 6 point gap is fine if we keep winning, but we seem to have forgotten how to win.

12 Jan 2020 18:26:33
small sqaud is his style

everything great about leeds is due to bleisa. everything bad about leeds is also due to belisa. like all leaders he is stubborn. and like all leaders it is what makes them good and bad and often is the start of thier own downfall.

12 Jan 2020 22:18:15
Yes Bermo He was stubborn when Radz hired him so its really not Bielsas fault. He was also a non winner. He does play exciting, entertaining, free flowing football and that's what makes you fall in love with him but don't marry him thinking you can change him. He is sadly too old a dog for any new tricks.

12 Jan 2020 14:33:32
Haven't seen much of the Wednesday game but disappointed naturally.

Obviously need a striker that can finish with a little more strength than Eddie had. Why Ryan doesn't get a look in I never know.

One of the main issues i hope might be solved soon is that Shackleton clearly looks close to full fitness again if he's making the bench. Hopefully Bub starts him soon as he did last season, and this will allow Dallas back to full back. I've given up on Forshaw perenially injured which is a shame because a valuable player on his day.

Klich i feel needs a rest simply played too many games and I feel this has impacted on his goal tally simply doesn't have the energy to get forward quickly anymore.

I'd love to see Meslier start more games too.

12 Jan 2020 14:51:54
The problem is that the club are relying on a small squad with injury prone players. Forshaw has made 49 appearances for the club in 2 years, Roberts has made 38 appearances in 2 years. During that time they have contributed 4 goals and 6 assists. We need additional players who can share the load because those coming back from injury (again) are not cutting it. The club is gambling on promotion by relying upon what we have got and hoping Bielsa will get us across the line.

12 Jan 2020 15:40:05
F-ing he'll notts great knowledge, and what frightening stats on Forshaw + Roberts!
If Radz refuses to spend in the next fortnight and we don't go up I think that his days will be numbered here . He will have that clown Kinnear come out and tell us all again that the future is Rosy and we are stronger for the experience .

This will all happen about 2 weeks before season ticks go on sale .

Go figure.

12 Jan 2020 17:07:41
Chris his days have be number long a go just he sticking around likes bad smell.

12 Jan 2020 17:21:05
Trouble is Notts, history tells us that for MB to get us "across the line" then we need a strong following wind and a dose of good luck.

12 Jan 2020 13:46:49
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Former Liverpool Managers - Part 9 - The Great Orator

12 Jan 2020 12:25:07
Am I watching, again, a woefully slow response from the three wise men tasked with recruitment. As proof of how it should be done see, Minamino, in December. Not waiting until the window opens, pounce get him now, beat the opposition then just sit back contented and wait til 01 Jan. Surely that is the scenario we should be in, with a problem that has been evident, to all, for months. Why are we conjecturing on who may, or may not, be coming. Why is every fan still crying out for change? I understand if the powers that be keep their cards close to their chest but all the groundwork should already be done (Liverpool have shown us that) . Do the recruitment team only start work 01 Jan and 01 August. Surely they should be proactive and digging around 12 months of the year, putting out feelers, suggesting improvements. Cast your net far and wide find some part of the ocean that the big boys have not fished in yet.

12 Jan 2020 12:59:18
Leodis . Radz may not know it . but he really is in the last chance saloon this window for pl promotion under his ownership.

12 Jan 2020 11:31:16
I’m curious about our training ground corner taking. We have good deliverers in Hernandez and Phillips but we never seem to get even a sniff of a goal attempt. Height I hear you say, Bamford or Cooper should be making more contact. Coops is not good at heading the ball on target.
I can’t even remember the last time we scored from a corner, could of been Jansen?
Poor result yesterday, there is a distinct target hitting deficiency that they really need to work on harder. Still confident we’ll get there in the end but it’s going to be tough.

12 Jan 2020 11:48:54
The lack of ideas and goals from corners and free kicks by Bielsa teams is absolutely pathetic. and shocking

. it's as if Bielsa is only concerned about scoring from open play.


Without doubt set piece play ( at both ends ) is a serious weakness of Bielsa . he should study Wilko's teams, Revie's teams and Oleary teams whose Leeds teams used to score plenty from set pieces.

12 Jan 2020 12:03:16
we have scored this season from corners but they have been very clever low ball deliviers (think dallas scored)

its the same in both boxes. we offer nothing in terms of scoring and nothing in terms of defending. Not sure if true but could be. millwall had a scout in the ground yesterday and I got a text laughing saying how S'@t we are my mates comments. glad to see you nothern monkys ain't learnt from last year.3 points coming on 25th

they will not post my reply to him on this site. but looks like he could be right

1 win in 7 lads. let that sink in for a bit. how is that hot tub feeling at the moment? pretty sure it is full of P'ss and the surname of an ex leeds and arsenal keeper who played for england.

12 Jan 2020 12:38:48
When will the boardroom take decisive action Bermo? Rather than leave it till the last minute and make a panic decision the slump should be dealt with Now. To alter a slump something has to be done however it seems that any change is an anathema to Bielsa and could cause a schism. I am not panicking yet (altho part of me really wants to) but the stats make for depressing reading. Why, oh why, can people not see we batter teams, we walk away with the possession stats but at the end of the day get beaten. We can't score goals and we can't defend set peices. It's not rocket science. Just fix the problem or we are staring at another season of disappointment. Pretty soon every team coming to Elland road will sit back, defend and play for long balls, free kicks and corners knowing that chances are, no matter how much ball we have, we are not going to hurt them.

12 Jan 2020 18:28:14
all last minute mate. very much the actions of a chancer.

12 Jan 2020 11:07:24
I think Bielsa's method, approach style is in some ways like the NHS. A great idea that gets very good results but is unsustainable and doomed to miss its targets without the level of investment the owners are unwilling or unable to provide.

12 Jan 2020 11:21:28
. Bielsa system, method is good.
but in reality only as good as the players at his disposal

if Bielsa had better natural goalscoring players, a better goalkeeper and at least one tall commanding centre back his system and those players would storm. this Championship

The problem is that Bielsa believes his system is enough even with inferior players. it clearly is not.

12 Jan 2020 11:37:23
great post hess. i think we should have a vote and get borris johnson in to manage us

Bazooka. his method ain't good. his method is to flatter to decieve. its great when it works but easy to fall apart

look at pep who is similar great when it goes he's way but also can fall apart when everything is not perfect. look at the money and sqaud pep has. should they have not one better in champs lague? shoud they be that far behind Liverpool?

fergous and klop have the better system because they get everything from their teams. belisa and pep dont.

12 Jan 2020 11:56:33
Berm - how you can say the Bielsa system as adopted by Pep doesn't work is stretching a point beyond belief. The reason it has fallen apart this year is down to the players currently in his defence and at DM not being up to scratch. Yes all those players cost millions, but they were obviously seriously overpriced. As Baz said in respect of Bielsa at Leeds - it's the belief that the system works with inferior players that is the downfall.

12 Jan 2020 12:27:29
BW give your head a shake.

12 Jan 2020 12:35:17
I agree. The system or plan A doesn't need changing. What needs to change is the calibre of player on the end of chances created by plan A. As for KP being overrun in midfield berm White that is more of a reflection of the players around him at times. Respected pundits like Danny Murphy put him in and around the England squad and at a 30_40million valuation. Think I'll take his opinion whilst respecting your entitled to yours.

12 Jan 2020 15:03:59
no clueless you have made me right in your post

the trouble with belisa and pep is they don't consider the defence. this is why they fall short

why given millions has pep not got a better defense and defensive midfielder? cos he ain't brought them. it is not important

pepe thinks have clownio bravo as back up keeper is ok. despite me being better, he thinks you can let Kompany (a club great) go and not replace him. why. because a defensive midfielder can do the job. it is not important. don't buy a defender get Rodri or Fernadnino to do it (like phillips with us) .

the problem they have is they have a perfect vision for an imperfect game. which is why the will underacvieve and are not ture greats

before you give it all the give a head shake (i hate that phrase) hear me out. pep has managed the best and most richest clubs in the world. always given Billions to spend and worked with the best. how many champs leagues has he won? how many leagues has he not won? for me it ain't good enough

Ferguson was best manager ever time and time again he reinvented his teams, he adapted to get best from players and won leagues he shouldn't of won. pep has lost competitions he never should of lost and for me it is part of the philosophy for me pep ain't fit to lace Ferguson's or even wildes laces

same with belisa. he is great apparently. but he can't get a win and looks unable to get a team over the line like warnock has time and time again. all style no substance

I was considering shaking my head then i looked at the prem table and found myself nodding to how far wonder pep's team are behind klopp's liverpool.

12 Jan 2020 15:45:03
BW its very fine margins in ultimate
success in promotion for Bielsa this season ( 2nd currently) and last season ( 3rd) the system is fine but it needs quality players. the lack of quality recruitment is down to Radz and Orta . not Bielsa

So give your head another shake lol 😂😂.

12 Jan 2020 21:27:54
very well bazooka. head has been shook.

12 Jan 2020 09:38:11
Sick and tired of hearing managers bleating about their game plans working v leeds. It has been in all cases our inability to take chances. First half yesterday against for me the weakest wendies team in years we once again should have put game to bed. For me the biggest mistake this season was to never play Eddie upfront with bam just behind him. Bam is clever around the box but not so in the box. Surely averaging 65% possession this could have been tried. Adams if it happens has to be a loan. We are aiming for prem, look at his record in prem. Love dallas but he isn't centre mid. We look far to open in that area at mo. These next 19 days are vital to our season off the field never mind qpr and Millwall on it. Still hoping. MOT.

12 Jan 2020 10:21:20
Good post Andy, totally agree.

Clubs playing Leeds know that we’ll have in excess of 60% possession but can’t score and they only need one chance.

They could save money for the Leeds game, give the manager the day off and get a temp in?

12 Jan 2020 10:33:00
Also agree Andy. They really don’t have a game plan, other than “ just put it in the onion bag, if you get a chance, lads, eh? ”.

12 Jan 2020 10:43:12
Think we're all tired of that, to be honest, particularly from the 🐍. I guess we were all hoping that we could put that weakened Wendies team to the sword yesterday, to expose his bleating for what it is and reduce him to a hissy fit about needing more backing from his board. Any one of us could have come up with those 'tactics' - defend deep, try to hit on the break or at set pieces and throw on a 6 1/ 2 foot lump at the end to cause havoc. Sadly everyone knows our tactics and our deficiencies at both ends of the pitch. Equally sadly we could all predict what the 🐍 would do, and I'm sure Bielsa knew too, and yet with the squad he has apparently chosen to rely on, he was powerless to prevent him slithering off with the points, and belief in his own genius still fully inflated🎈.

12 Jan 2020 10:45:07
So who would you drop out to make space for the 2nd striker?
Phillip's, Pablo or Klich?

12 Jan 2020 11:14:49
but they are right.

game plan against leeds

1. defend deep so leeds have the ball but pass around like arsenal and don't get in behind, as they miss a lot of chances
2. put pressure on phillips to make sure he don't get chance to pass forward and force him sideways.
3. put a danger man on phillips as their man will get chances as phillips don't track men
4. put in high balls/ crosses and work on corners and set plays, as when it comes to them we are sunday league quality

the managers say it because they are right. it is quite simple to work out and leeds never have a plan b.

im not sick of hearing it . i'm sick of it working though.

12 Jan 2020 11:19:22
Would prob have to go to 3-5-2. Ayling, Coops, White - Costa, Pablo, KP, Klich, Harrison - Bambam, 2nd striker.

12 Jan 2020 11:32:07
Of the three, Canada, I would drop Klich.

12 Jan 2020 11:39:54
drop KP he is a luxuary player who don't affect games when he is over run. time to get in workhorse 2nd devision players. vinnie jones is more use in this league eric bakka.

12 Jan 2020 12:04:55
leodis Klich is the one who can't be dropped. look at arsenal game he was the only one who got involved and could compete. imagine dropping klich. our midfeild would be obsolete.

11 Jan 2020 23:48:32
Today was typical of our recent form. I have predicted this type of run for some time. Possession without an end result is no way forward. Bamford unfortunately is symptomatic of the problem. His overall play is very good but, as I have said, he is no goal scorer. Whilst it is clear others have missed chances he is the main man - the goal scorer - but he doesn't when it matters. If Bielsa continues with his current style I can see us finishing in the top six but not the top two.

He is a stubborn single minded individual who does a lot of good for his teams but his success in terms of trophies is relatively poor. Because of his approach we have a squad that's too small, not enough strikers and a defence that is lacking in height and depth. I said weeks ago we would hit a wall. We have.

If Bielsa, with the help of the owner and Orta are as good as some say they have to change things. let's see if they do. Otherwise another year at least in the championship awaits. This not just about today its being on the cards for weeks. We are still in the top two but can we stay there?

12 Jan 2020 02:00:42
Spot on analysis Hessian.
.
The further problem is that even if Radz, Orta and Bielsa try to find solutions in the January transfer window they may find none at all due to finances and availability.

12 Jan 2020 08:10:17
I remain confident Adams will arrive before the end of the window. I even think he could join us by Friday.

12 Jan 2020 08:22:32
Agree with all you said Hess, regardless of who we bring in, will bielsa continue to stick with Bamford as our main striker though. This is more the problem, making chances and build-up play seem to matter more than sticking the ball in the net.

12 Jan 2020 10:03:05
I hope your right about Adams, GIW, our set up dictates we are an attacking threat from the wide areas. Great if we had Woody, Lee Chapman, or Matt Smith to get on the day of the numerous crosses we plough into the opposition box. If opposition going to pack their defence this is a waste of time. We never play the simple obvious pass through the middle when that attacking option is on.

We need the ST, creative MF, and defender, preferably all with a bit of height. Signing 18 year old keepers we don’t need now is wasteful.

If we drop out of the top two places I worry we won’t get the form to retake one of those spots again.

Good post hesslain 1.

12 Jan 2020 10:39:13
I feel despondent for once, after yesterday. Watching us batter sides, with the most fantastic football, and losing, again, is starting to take its toll. And to that arrogant snake too. I agree, there needs to be a tweak, a slight change, something. Bam is a great footballer, top notch, but is just not finding the net, nor are any others. It can’t just be bad luck, or a curse, surely!?

12 Jan 2020 10:48:42
Hopefully the slump is a direct relationship to Pablo being injured.
With him back let's hope we revert to winning.
He old and will miss a good part of the season. A back up is needed.

12 Jan 2020 11:36:50
Every week Bamford screams out to tel us, I am not a goal scorer. For all he is and he does have many redeeming features he is not a natural scorer. His performances must be telling Bielsa that he is a mainstay for the team but needs help scoring.