Leeds fans lost more than an hours’ sleep last night as they pondered and dissected yesterday’s game and even though it was a point won, rather than three points lost, it was perceived by most as a loss.
Management Effectiveness in Doubt
We were cautioned by Farke at the press conference that it was always difficult to return after international breaks, with the team just managing one training session together prior to the match. However, this is not his first rodeo, the same thing happened last year. Oh, and the year before that! And whilst Leeds had 14 players out on break, and other Championship teams did not, should Farke be managing this more effectively?
If word on the street is correct, and Piroe did in fact decline his invitation to the international party, then you have to wonder how many other players had the same opportunity? Wouldn’t players have more of a chance to play for their country if their club team had just been promoted into the Premiership? Is it really side before self?
Deja Vu?
Saturday had the horrible déjà vu feeling for Leeds United fans and concerns are mounting. Sure, international breaks are always damaging to the momentum for any team, but it is also an opportunity to train harder and smarter for the ones left behind.
But it is so easy to just blame the internationals for the subpar performance yesterday. The cracks have been showing for a little while now, the almost near perfect run from Christmas to a now lack of consistency. The players seem to have lost their aptitude and flair in basic passing, retaining possession, and capitalising on goal scoring opportunities. The last few games suggest that all is not right in the dressing room and Farke needs to get a handle on this before he loses everything.
Hopes and Expectations
I think it is fair to say that last year Leeds exceeded all expectations by soaring up the table after relegation, and reflecting back, a near return to the Premiership was an unexpected but pleasant surprise. Fans accepted it probably was too soon for us and rebuilding the team was a priority. Fast forward to this season and the excuses are empty. Supporters are not going to accept schoolboy blunders committed by Meslier, missed shots by Piroe and the likes of Solomon losing possession, and that is just the minutest of lowlights from yesterday. A blatant lack of cohesion and basic preparation was evident 24 hours ago, and quite frankly, this seems to keep popping up intermittently.
Financial Implications
In addition, if we do not get promoted this year, finances are going to look very slim indeed. Players will exit, contracts will not be renewed, loans will not be extended, and season three in the Championship is going to look undeniably bleak. And the possibility of having to employ another new manager could also drain the bank of Leeds United.
Conclusion
We have the players, the physical and mental capacity, the fanbase and the infrastructure. As many fans blame, jeer and boo the players, the scrutiny really does fall on Daniel Farke. He is accountable and responsible for the getting the best out of the players at a time that is critical. Lessons should have been learned from last year, Farke even said himself there is no comparison to last seasons run in to this, I beg to differ. It seems very familiar to me.
I’m afraid to say it but if Farke cannot get the job done this season, and preferably without going through the play offs, we may be singing auf wiedersehen on the terraces to him too.
