The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 19th March) Ampadu decision reeks of desperation
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 19th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Ampadu decision reeks of desperation
Ethan Ampadu is patched up, and ready to go back out to war for Leeds Utd. The versatile midfielder has missed the last five games with a cartilage problem (left knee) that he picked up in training after the Sunderland game. Such is his importance to the team, instead of undergoing surgery, his arthroscopy has been postponed until the summer, allowing the Thorp Arch medical team to patch him up as best they can and wheel him onto the pitch. This decision reeks of desperation, and it's clear that Leeds are willing to gamble with Ampadu's health to salvage their season.
The squad have struggled in his absence, managing 8 points out of a possible 15. Many will look back to their failure to strengthen in January, which has left them in a precarious position. This decision is reckless, it’s short-sighted, and frankly, it’s an insult to both the player and the fans. This isn’t brave; it’s blatant mismanagement disguised as some sort of heroic effort.
Joseph's outburst a cause for concern
The final whistle had barely blown at QPR, but the tension was already palpable. In a shocking display of anger, unused substitute Mateo Joseph erupted into a frenzy, leaving his teammates and coaches scrambling to calm him down. The incident, reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, has left many wondering what sparked such a volatile reaction from the young Spaniard.
Joseph's emotions got the better of him on this occasion, requiring the intervention of captain Ampadu to prevent the situation from escalating further. Ampadu, a seasoned player, quickly stepped in to pacify Joseph, before having a word with Pascak Struijk, presumably to diffuse any remaining tension.
What's striking is that Joseph's outburst was not an isolated incident. The frustration was palpable across the Leeds squad, with Manor Solomon visibly upset at being substituted. It's clear that the team is feeling the pressure, and the emotions are running high. Joseph's anger, in particular, is a cause for concern, as it's only the second time this season that he's remained an unused substitute. The feeling of being left out must have been simmering beneath the surface, waiting to boil over.