The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 7th April) Leeds slip out of autos after dismal Hatters display
Good Morning. It's Monday 7th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds slip out of autos after dismal Hatters display
Leeds United's automatic promotion hopes suffered a significant blow on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Luton Town. The result, coupled with Burnley's win, means Leeds have slipped out of the Championship's top two for the first time this year and are now reliant on slip-ups from their rivals to secure automatic promotion.
Daniel James' stunning strike rescued a point for Daniel Farke's side, but it wasn't enough to mask a stuttering performance against a Luton side fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table. Isaiah Jones had given the Hatters the lead with a well-taken volley in the 15th minute, capitalising on Leeds early defensive frailties.
The draw see's Leeds drop to 14th in the form guide with seven points from six games. They squandered a golden chance to win the game late on, with Solomon firing high and wide from close range after James' cross took an unfortunate bounce.
Farke's decision to drop goalkeeper Illan Meslier in favour of Karl Darlow made headlines before the match, but neither goalkeeper was overly troubled, though Darlow made a crucial save to deny Thelo Aasgaard in the second half.
While Leeds ramped up the pressure in the final ten minutes, Luton defended resolutely, with Christ Makosso making a vital tackle to deny Isaac Schmidt in stoppage time. The draw leaves Leeds in a precarious position, needing their rivals to falter if they are to achieve their goal of automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Recklessly wasteful Leeds
The Championship is a relentless battle where most teams cling to any advantage, no matter how small. A long throw becomes a weapon, a free-kick in the opponent's half a chance to pile pressure on, and a corner a potential lifeline, but all season Leeds seem quite happy to pass up cheap opportunities in favour of ball retention!
This unconventional approach extends to the loan market, a resource that most Championship teams eagerly exploit to bolster their squads. While rivals strategically fully utilise their loan quotas, Leeds maintain a seemingly nonchalant attitude, almost dismissing the potential benefits of external reinforcements.
Is Farke losing control
Daniel Farke's position at Leeds United appears increasingly precarious after a series of disappointing performances that have seen the club drop out of the automatic promotion places. While results on the pitch are concerning, it's Farke's recent press conference comments that are truly raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about his future.
From previously guaranteeing promotion a week ago to constantly contradicting himself, the mood around the club is one of the manager being under pressure. His post-match assessment of Saturday's draw as "a good point" did little to inspire confidence among the Elland Road faithful.
His public criticism of Largie Ramazani has ignited a significant backlash. Singling out the player's "maturity in duels" and demanding he "step up" has been met with anger and disapproval from many fans, who have taken to social media to question Farke's tenure. This public rebuke suggests a potential breakdown in player-manager relations and raises serious questions about Farke's ability to maintain control of the dressing room.