Good Morning. It's Wednesday 4th December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Salzburg want Wober back
Red Bull Salzburg are reportedly keen to take Max Wober back to Austria in January, two years after joining Leeds, according to newspaper outlet 'Kurier'. The 26 year old is returning from injury, and only has 37 minutes of game time under his belt. Despite this, his versatility could prove a massive asset for the Whites in-case of injuries, suspensions and tactical rotations, between now and the end of the season.
Wober fell out of favour with the Elland Road faithful after demanding a loan move, shortly after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League 18 months ago. It was a massive kick in the teeth for Daniel Farke who had handed him the Captain's armband just days prior, during Leeds pre-season tour of Oslo.
Money talks, and if Leeds were to recoup the £10m they paid for him (or even more), that money could be reinvested towards a top quality No10, an obvious weakness in the Leeds line-up. Equally, they may choose to invest in a goal-scorer, especially as Bamford (linked to Wrexham) and Joffy (multiple options) could fly the nest in the New Year!
Should Joseph to sent out on loan if Leeds win promotion
If Leeds win promotion this season, would it be pragmatic to send Mateo Joseph out on loan? After a blistering pre-season, the 21yo has lost his way this campaign, only playing a bit role in nine of out Leeds previous ten games. With two goals, three assists and and average 'Whoscored rating of 6.55 (17th), Joseph has a long way to go before he can establish himself as a regular starter.
Nobody is doubting his talent, but is there any point him rotting on the bench week in - week out in the Prem, when he could be playing every week in the Championship, getting stronger and learning his trade?
Pressure and expectation
Nancy Froston has penned an interesting piece in this morning's 'New York Times', formerly 'The Athletic, detailing both the expectations, and pressure's of West Yorkshire's finest, and their devoted followers.
Fairly or not, there has always been high expectations of Leeds Utd, perhaps creating unnecessary pressure on the club, and the players. Their past is littered by a mixture of misfortune, elation and sheer incompetence, but through thick and thin, the fans continue to turn up in their droves, hoping for a repeat performance from what we witnessed during the Revie and Wilkinson era.
Is the criticism deserved? Are Leeds under performing this season, given the squad Daniel Farke has at his disposal or are fans getting melodramatic after every slip?
Leeds United have lost three games in the Championship this season and panic starts to set in after each defeat. That is what it means to be associated with Leeds in a promotion race. The pressure of being one of the biggest teams in the division with an expectation of top-flight football means each slip-up comes under the microscope.
But last season has played its part too, as scars linger of Daniel Farke’s side falling agonisingly short of promotion despite racking up 90 points. It was a race at the top unlike any other in recent years in the Championship. Comparatively, Leeds are performing just as well again this year.
United have the same points at the 18-game mark (35), the same number of goals scored (31) and fewer goals conceded (13 this season, 18 last season). There are signs that this is a well-balanced, excellent team as opposed to last season’s great group with standout individuals.
There will be bumps in the road and the 1-0 away defeat by Blackburn Rovers, which prevented Leeds from returning to the top of the league, was another one. Away form has not been ideal this season. Defeats at Millwall and Blackburn, as well as draws at Bristol City and Sunderland have proved tricky as Farke’s side have looked to build up the type of run that put them in contention last season.
Their 15-game unbeaten run from January to April allowed them to challenge for a top-two spot before — unforgivably in the eyes of some fans — slipping away. This year the division should be less pressured. It is unlikely we will see four teams establish such a sustained race for the top two, although it remains competitive as we near the halfway mark.
The defeat at Blackburn proved costly, with Farke’s side dropping down to third with just five points separating first and fourth. Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland, against whom Leeds have a record of one win, one draw and one defeat, are their main competition.
