PUT TOGETHER BY Lucas Leite
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EDITOR’S NOTE After a strong start to the season, Leeds have lost seven of nine matches, and the club sits in 10th place in the table on 23 points, three points away from Aston Villa, who
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are on 26 points and in 6th
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and its fans might have to be waiting for another year for promotion. The
club
needs
to
start
winning, or at the very least
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stop losing, very quickly if this
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season is going to end up in
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the top six.
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Lucas
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eeds United won an important match, as the club needed to win to stay near the top six and needed to stop a poor run of results after losing seven of nine matches. To add extra spice to the match, former Leeds manager Garry Monk came with his new team, Middlesbrough, who Monk joined in the summer after walking out on Leeds. Despite the nervy finish after a questionable penalty, Leeds were the better side for most of the match. Pablo Hernandez scored the opening goal and created the second goal, and for that, he’s my man of the match, with Gjanni Alioski and
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Kemar Roofe both looking sharp on offence. Samu Saiz was unlucky to add a goal, as his effort came off the post, but all’s well that ends well, right? There were no real chances in the first 20 minutes or so, with Leeds having a good spell of possession and some decent attacking intent that didn’t really have much of an impact. On the other end, Britt Assombalonga had a decent shout for a penalty in the Leeds box after going to ground after getting tangled with Gaetano Berardi. Jonny Howson had a few good passes which resulted in some good attacks for Middlesbrough that lead
to corner kicks, but otherwise both teams were pretty quiet. Leeds broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after Pablo Hernandez ducked in at the far post to connect to a cross from Alioski that was flicked on by Kalvin Phillips. Darren Randolph was rooted to the ground and had no chance to get to the Spaniard’s shot. Cooper headed wide from a Hernandez free kick in the 42nd minute as Leeds looked to increase their lead, and after a few more free kicks that Leeds had a decent chance to score from, the teams went into half-time with Leeds leading 1-0.
Cooper missed a wide-open header from Pablo Hernandez free-kick, but otherwise Leeds looked much better after the second goal, putting pressure on the goal and Samu Saiz even had a great effort ping off the post as he and Ronaldo Vieira played a brilliant one-two. Boro scored an unlikely penalty as Ayala and Ayling were tangled in the box, only for Ayling to get penalized for his “foul” after the ball had lone gone. The last few minutes feature the return of Caleb Ekuban to the side, coming on for Kemar Roofe, and Eunan O’Kane for Samu Saiz.
Boro looked the better side coming out of the break, with a few attempts with attacking intent including a fairly tame corner. Boro had a decent look at a goal, but Tavernier’s first touch put him out of contention to get a shot on goal. Leeds were rewarded again for some attacking intent as Kemar Roofe did well to get the ball to Pablo Hernandez who this time played provider as his cross was converted by Gjanni Alisoki at the far post. Again, some questions could be asked of the fullback defending the Leeds winger, but both were very well-taken goals and both had good passes to set them up.
Pablo Hernandez celebrates his goal THE SOUTH STAND
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eeds United will look to build on their stirring 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Elland Road on Sunday when they head down to the West Midlands to take on Championship leaders Wolves. Thomas Christiansen’s players face a tough task against hosts who have certainly caught the eye with their attacking flair under boss Nuno Espirto Santo this season. Here’s a few things which will help you ahead of tonight’s kick-off (7.45pm). Last time out at Molineux... When? Saturday, October 22, 2016 Score? Wolves 0-1 Leeds United
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Who scored? Leeds - Silvio 70 (og). A Silvio own goal was the only thing that separated the sides, enough for a fifth win in eight games for Leeds as Gary Monk’s side moved up to 10th in the table, while Wolves saw their winless streak extended to five games. Team news... Christiansen is predicted to start with the same attacking four that saw his side over turn Middlesbrough at the weekend. With attacking duo Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Stuart Dallas set to return on the bench. Wolves have no new injury problems going into tomorrows game and have the option to recall full back
Barry Douglas after his return from suspension. Key battle: Diogo Jota v Luke Ayling Wolves persuaded Atletico Madrid to loan Jota to them in the summer and he brought with him all the assets a Championship club would ask for: pace, direct running and an eye for goal.
A quite inspired signing, brought in on a temporary basis from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in August. To say the Brazilian was unheard of would be an understatement but his goals are into double figures, his style and strenght are causing the division no end of problems and he has been a huge factor in Wolves’ surge to the top of the table. How they could line-up ...
He has seven to his name alongside three assists and one of the reasons for Wolves’ impressive form is the spread of potency in their squad. They are nothing like a one-man team but Jota, on the left wing, is one man to watch.
Wolves (3-4-3):
Key man: Léo Bonatini
Lonergan, Ayling, Jansson, Cooper, Berardi, Vieira, Phillips, Alioski, Hernandez, Saiz, Roofe
Ruddy, Bennett, Coady, Bolly, Doherty, Neves, Saiss, Douglas, Cavaleiro, Bonatini, Jota Leeds United (4-2-3-1):
Opposition dugout... Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo “The result is not important, it’s the way you perform.
Léo Bonatini in action
The result can be a win, loss or draw but if you play well you go out of the stadium happy knowing you gave everything and play the way you believe.” THE SOUTH STAND
JAY ROY GROT SHOULDN’T PLAY RIGHT NOW AND THAT’S OKAY
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t seems as if you can never get away with a Leeds United game without doing something with Jay-Roy Grot. “Jesus Christ, does Grot have a clause in his contract that says he has to play 80% of the matches!” Is a line that I’ve heard being shout sarcastically more and more on Twitter. From my eyes, it seems that Thomas Christiansen sees Jay-Roy as a supersub that can be marketable thanks to the whole Grot/Groot thing. Grot is a physical specimen. Even at his previous club, NEC Nijmegen, Grot was and still is shredded. There’s a lot to like about the kid. His résumé packs heat too. He’s represented Netherlands at the u17-u20 levels and from everything fans have heard, there’s supposed to be a lot of potential in this kid. That’s why we convince ourselves that it’s not a bad idea to give Grot playing time. Grot has time and again gone out on the pitch and done nothing. It’s as simple as that. There are sparks of hope sometimes if Grot gets into space. Watching Grot charge down a loose ball or goalkeeper or defender or what have you is comically frightening. But in my eyes, he looks a hell of a lot like a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball. Looks pretty and promising at the start, turns hectic once the ball is thrown, and you hope for a return to step one. Grot should not be playing. He shouldn’t even be regularly selected to Thomas Christiansen’s bench. But here’s the thing, that should be okay. He’s played 14 times over the course of the regular season and
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Jay Roy Grot in action
cup games. He’s been included in the starting XI twice (both in cup games), subbed on 9 times, and been on the bench 3 times. All he has to show for it is an assist and a 45th minute yellow vs Burnley. He’s not showing up, and he shouldn’t be able to have any say so on when he should play at just a young age. So bring him to the reserves. There’s absolutely nothing wrong for Grot to go hard in practice, then watch
and learn from the seats during the game. He’s young, so he’s going to learn a lot about football. But what many forget, is that he isn’t from here. He’s from Holland. He’s not only learning to adjust to the type of footy Christiansen is preaching. He’s learning how to adapt to life in England, both on the football field and outside the stadium too. The English game is notoriously quick, and it could come as a shock for Grot how quick the game is even at
Jay Roy Grot vs Burnley
the Championship level. The fun game starts when you want to think about who replaces Grot in the lineup. Caleb Ekuban is practicing again, will he get the spot once healthy? Maybe give more time to Dallas and/or Sacko? There are a lot of different options to play with here. Either way, whoever gets the spot if TC actually does decide to change his lineup won’t have too many harsh critics. Grot set the bar shamefully low, so it’s time for someone to smash it. I’m pretty confident in Cibicki’s or Ekuban’s scoring ability, and I think that either one of them could bring a fun boost to the team. THE SOUTH STAND
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eeds hinted at promotion last season under Garry Monk but when they faded and Monk defected to Middlesbrough, fans suffered flashbacks to the many other times in the club’s recent history when hope has merely been the prelude to more chaos. But things seem different now thanks to a strong start to the season and, most of all, to Andrea Radrizzani, the Italian businessmen who took a 50% stake in Leeds in January before completing his takeover in May.
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Radrizzani’s predecessor, Massimo Cellino, occasionally hit on good ideas too but alternated them with terrible ones.
“There’s been a huge difference since I came here,” says Pontus Jansson, the tubthumping Swedish centre-back who became an immediate crowd favourite when he joined on loan from Torino last season. Signing him on a permanent deal in the summer was another good move by the new regime. “I think with the new owner, he’s really professional. He’s willing to listen and learn. He’s got very good staff around him so he’s not making all the decisions by himself. And he really loves this club, he’s thinking in all directions – for the players, the fans, the staff, the ground. And lots of new little things. Even the food – that’s a small thing for you but for us players its important.
Recovery in this league is really important and food is a way to recover well. So I’ve only good things to say about Andrea, he’s made a huge difference to this club.” “Leeds is a team that a lot of people hate in this country.” The difference on the pitch has been visible, though not radical. Christiansen’s preferred style is similar to Monk’s, possessionfocused, but with more emphasis on attack. Several nifty creators arrived through the summer shopping spree, notably Samuel Sáiz, who has made the fee (around £3.5m) paid for him to Huesca seem a bargain. The introduction of more flair has not been at the cost of defensive organisation, as Leeds proved by keeping six straight clean sheets earlier in the campaign. “We have a lot of options this year – defensively, offensively, everywhere,” says Jansson. “It’s made it tough for everyone. Samuel and Pierre [Michel Lasogga] have been two of our best players but they were on the bench against Cardiff this week. That’s Thomas’s way to keep everyone fresh.” “Last year we were good against physical teams and had problems with teams who play football but this year has been the complete
opposite,” says Jansson. “The teams who want to play good football, we kill them from the first minute. But Millwall and Cardiff are two physical teams who play another type of football and that’s something we have to work on. We have a lot of new players and it will take time for them to come into the Championship. We have to discuss about it and prepare for a physical game on Sunday. It’s a derby and [Wednesday] are going to come at us from the first minute so we have to go out there and play like 11 animals, prepare for a war.” Jansson says that attitude is mandatory at Leeds. Other teams help make it so. That is one of the things he has taken it upon himself to explain to new arrivals. “It’s important for me to help the new guys into that,” he says. “Everybody wants to beat us. Leeds is a team that a lot of people hate in this country. I’ve seen that. People hate Leeds for a reason. Because Leeds were a fantastic club in the past but also now. I always think about my past in Malmo. People in Sweden hate Malmo because Malmo are too good for the others and that can be the reason for Leeds also. Leeds have come through 10 or 15 tough years. But now we are on our way back. Let them hate us. I don’t care.” THE SOUTH STAND
LEEDS UNITED LADIES ARE BACK
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eeds Ladies have successfully completed their move to become Leeds United Ladies for the upcoming season and beyond. The side, who play in the Women’s Premier League Northern Division One, have joined forces with the Whites again and will play their home games at Wheatley Park Stadium, Garforth and two fixtures per season at Elland Road.
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Leeds United Ladies first team will also train at Thorp Arch and wear the same kit as the men’s first team. Leeds United Managing Director Angus Kinnear said: “We are pleased to welcome Leeds United Ladies back into our family, the women’s game is growing in popularity and rightly so, there are some very
talented female players in this region and across the country. “It is important that the club is represented in the leagues and we hope this move will encourage more young girls to get involved in football.” Lee Townend, Chairman of Leeds United Ladies, commented: “I am so proud to be part of the reintegration of Leeds Ladies into Leeds United. “I am looking forward to working closely with Angus and the team of directors over the coming seasons to realise the vision of Leeds United Ladies FC. We thank our committee along with Andrea and the team at LUFC for working hard to make this happen.”
ROBBIE ROGERS BECOMES MARCHING OUT TOGETHER PATRON
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ollowing the recent successful launch of MarchingOutTogether, the group for LGBT fans of Leeds United and their friends, in the next exciting development, the organisation have announced the appointment of Robbie Rogers as a patron of the group.
Leeds fans before a match, when I returned to Elland Road a few years ago, as an openly gay man, but football still faces a huge challenge to overcome homophobia in all parts of the game.
Andrew Harrison, co-founder of the group said: “As a gay man, a former Leeds United player and a USA international currently playing for LA Galaxy, Robbie is an obvious choice to raise the profile of MarchingOutTogether. “We believe his support will help us achieve our objectives of making Elland Road a more welcoming place for LGBT supporters and assist us in joining the fight against homophobia and other discrimination in football generally. Thank you Robbie”. In offering his support to the group Robbie Rogers said: “I am delighted to accept the invitation to become a patron of MarchingOutTogether and to renew my connection with Leeds United. “I received a warm welcome from the
Robbie Rogers
“I am passionate about playing my role in combating homophobia and other forms of discrimination in sport and football generally and I believe the recent growth of LGBT fan groups is an important part of this campaign. “I would like to wish MarchingOutTogether every success and I look forward to playing my part as their patron.” THE SOUTH STAND
THREE PLAYERS LEEDS UNITED SHOULD TARGET IN JANUARY
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lthough Leeds’s business during the summer transfer window showed signs of a strength in depth squad, their recent poor spell in October, combined with injuries and suspensions, have highlighted the need for more additions in January. Quantity isn’t necessarily the issue with the Whites current squad. Championship quality, knowhow and experience in England however can be vital in the push for promotion. With the exception of Samuel Saiz, who remains Thomas Christiansen’s best investment since becoming head coach, the Yorkshiremen’s other investments during the summer haven’t quite had the desired effect.
Scott Malone Despite not being left-footed, Gaetano Berardi’s versatility and ability on either flank has seen him make most appearances for Leeds at left-back this year. However, Berardi’s battles with pacey wingers this season has occasionally seen him caught short. The Swiss is, and forever will be, an aggressive and determined presence in the side, but Leeds are in need of a naturally leftfooted defender who can provide consistency and competition within the squad. Currently plying his trade with Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town in the Premier League, Scott Malone would be the perfect acquisition for the Whites.
Injuries to key players have left Leeds short of backup, others however, have just failed to perform and live up to the expectations of the Championship. Here are a few players who the Whites could potentially target to bolster the current squad: 14
Scott Malone
Bobby Reid The attacking-midfielder impressed at the end of last season, but this campaign has seen the 24-year-old show his true qualities. Ten goals in nineteen appearances for Reid this season, and this form has seen him become the second top goal-scorer in the league and has also helped Bristol City into the promotion race. Form like this will attract several suitors during January and if Leeds are to mount a serious and consistent push for the Premier League, then the Yorkshiremen should be looking to invest in the clinical midfielder.
Jordan Hugill
Jordan Hugill A name linked with Leeds before in the summer and several other Championship clubs, Hugill has become renowned for his goalscoring in the Championship. With Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s form dipping in recent matches, the Preston striker would provide something which the German currently isn’t getting for the lone striker role – competition.
Bobby Reid
The Whites last three league matches has seen them score no more than a single goal per game and should this carry on until January, a striker with Hugill’s credentials would be a perfect fit for the current squad. THE SOUTH STAND
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idely ridiculed on the continent as being “the sick man of Europe” in 1975, recessionhit Britain was provided with the perfect sporting antidote – albeit a temporary one 40 years ago this week. The most expensively-assembled gathering of footballing talent to ever showcase their talents on British soil strode out at Elland Road on the Spring night of April 9, 1975, when Leeds United locked horns with Catalan giants Barcelona in a game which yielded record receipts of £90,000. That famous European Cup semifinal first leg in West Yorkshire ended with Leeds being fairly well off, if not
Lorimer hits the ball into the net for a United goal. 18
exactly wholly quids in after a 2-1 success over the Catalans ahead of the second instalment at the Camp Nou exactly a fortnight later. A well-heeled footballing cast, worth an estimated £5m, took to the stage, including the sport’s chief poster boy, three-times European Footballer of the Year Johan Cruyff, signed by Barca for a world record £922,000 almost two years earlier. Described by the Yorkshire Post’s Terry Brindle as a “film star who plays with the cool authority of a big budget producer”, Cruyff, then approaching his 28th birthday, was proving the star turn in Barca’s quest to be kings of Europe for the first time. Unfortunately
for
the
Dutch
Barcelona keeper Sadurni raises his arms in anguish as Allan Clarke scrores
superstar, Leeds did not read the script. Pitted against Cruyff was another great in Billy Bremner and while both claimed victories after that first leg at Elland Road in front of a huge attendance of 50,393 – Leeds’ last 50,000-plus home crowd – it was the Scot’s unshakeable belief and conviction which was the more forceful when both addressed the press afterwards. It was Bremner who gave Leeds a dream start with an opener after nine minutes and while Barca levelled midway through the second half thanks to Juan Manuel Asensi’s controversial free-kick, the hosts deservedly had the final word, courtesy of Allan Clarke’s winner 12 minutes from time.
The result provided Leeds with a positive advantage ahead of the second leg in Catalonia, with Barca also having reason to be satisfied after grabbing a potentially vital away goal. Although not quite as delighted as Leeds were a fortnight later after refusing to yield in front of a raucous Catalan crowd of 110,000 on a night of unremitting tension. A 1-1 draw and 3-2 aggregate success booked a place in the European Cup final for United on arguably the greatest night in the club’s history, with Cruyff and Neeskens – just under 12 months on from disappointment in the World Cup final – afforded a bitter pill once more.
THE SOUTH STAND