Good Morning. It's Thursday 20th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Why have Leeds performed so badly during early kick-off's
Beren Cross has penned an interesting piece in 'The Athletic' investigating why the Whites have performed so badly this season during early kick-off's?
While Leeds have racked up an impressive 20 victories in games starting from 3pm onwards, their record in earlier slots is starkly different. Out of ten matches kicking off before 3pm, they've only managed to secure two wins. It’s true that the sheer volume of afternoon games (26 compared to 10 early ones) skews the raw win count.
Digging deeper into the points per game reveals a more concerning picture. Leeds are averaging a significant 1.4 fewer points per game when the whistle blows before 3pm. This drop in performance is mirrored in their attacking output; they are also scoring 1.4 fewer goals per game in these earlier fixtures.
Intriguingly, data suggests this dip in results shouldn't be happening. Expected goals (xG) paint a picture of dominance for Leeds in these early games. In eight out of the ten early kick-offs, Leeds' xG exceeded their opponents'. Even in the two games where their xG was lower (against West Brom and Blackburn), the margins were minimal or even in Leeds' favour. Daniel Farke is well aware that his side have been dropping points during early kick-off's and is exploring what small changes can make to turn the tide in Leeds favour...
We have changed, for the last 12.30pm-kick-off away games, a bit the process to get up even earlier, to have additional walks in the morning, to change something,” said Farke. “Yes, but even if you change something (it’s no guarantee of success). Sometimes, it’s also a bit of a coincidence. You don’t have to be too superstitious, otherwise, we wouldn’t have to travel tomorrow (Friday). It’s difficult to explain. With respect, we are travelling to Portsmouth or London, it’s not like we travel to Nigeria or to a very different time zone. It’s still proper UK air, UK timings and I don’t want to interpret too much into it — but yes, it’s a fact and we have to step up a little bit.
We try to investigate this and even if it’s about giving little hints to individual players about what is necessary with the biorhythm to perform at 12.30pm, this is important. Normally, we start our training somewhere between 10am and 11am, so we are used to performing relatively early in the morning. It’s really difficult to say. I like later kick-offs. Perhaps it’s just because of me, perhaps I should change my attitude, but I can’t help myself. I’m a bit old school. I love 3pm kick-offs. I also love when the floodlights are on at Elland Road, it’s a special atmosphere. I wouldn’t say my team talk differs at 8.30am. I try to motivate them and to set them on fire, the same way I would do before a 3pm or 8pm kick-off, but we try to look into these things. I do not have the perfect explanation for how we win every game.
How can anyone think its a good idea
Whispers of Kalvin Phillips making a sensational return to Leeds United this summer are gathering momentum, fuelled by fresh reports in the Sun. For many Leeds fans, the idea of ‘The Yorkshire Pirlo’ back in white is a nostalgic pull, a reminder of brighter days. But scratch beneath the surface of this potential reunion, and a much more complex picture emerges.
It’s fair to say Kalvin Phillips’ career trajectory since departing Elland Road for Manchester City in the summer of 2022 has been less than stellar. His time at the Etihad was largely spent warming the bench, followed by uninspiring loan spells. West Ham United didn't see the midfield maestro they hoped for, and his current stint at Ipswich Town has been equally underwhelming. To put it bluntly, his ratings have slipped down the pecking order quicker than a Keir Starmer popularity contest.
The stark reality is, even if Leeds find themselves navigating another season in the Championship, a Phillips homecoming might not be the romantic fairytale it seems. He is simply not the player who dominated midfields and earned England caps in a Leeds shirt. The stats don’t lie; currently languishing at a lowly 23rd in Ipswich’s ‘Whoscored’ rankings speaks volumes.
The reported figure of £20 million being touted frankly bewildering given his current performances. Is this wishful thinking, agent maneuvering, or a genuine, albeit questionable, strategy from Elland Road? This isn't the Kalvin Phillips that fans remember – and sometimes, the most romantic reunions are best left as fond memories.
I'm waiting for my chance - Schmidt
Isaac Schmidt arrived at Leeds United last summer with expectations of bolstering the defensive ranks, but the Swiss defender has found himself on the fringes at Elland Road. Signed from St Gallen for £2.5 million on a four-year deal, the 25yo has clocked up less than 30 minutes of game time for Daniel Farke's side this season, making him something of a forgotten figure in the Championship promotion chase.
Despite his limited opportunities at club level, Schmidt's potential has not gone unnoticed. last week saw the defender receive his first call-up to the Swiss national team, a testament to his underlying quality. As Switzerland prepare to face Northern Ireland and Luxembourg, Schmidt finds himself in contention for international minutes, a stark contrast to his Leeds experience. Speaking to the Swiss media from the national team camp, Schmidt addressed his situation at Leeds with a remarkably patient outlook...
The club showed me clear prospects and made it clear to me that they see my potential as a regular starter," he said. "It takes time to establish yourself at a club like (Leeds). I'm waiting for my chance.
Football fans are generally sentimental, although I wouldn't say no to Raphinia. 
