Good Morning. It's Friday 28th March, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Four home wins then 100% we will go up
Daniel Farke has once again turned to the Leeds United faithful, imploring them to raise the roof at Elland Road and propel the team towards promotion. This plea echoes earlier comments from Farke, where he sought the crowd's energy to ignite his players. However, that initial request was met with anger and confusion from a fanbase who believe the privilege of playing for Leeds United, coupled with their substantial salaries, should be motivation enough.
During Thursday's confusing pre match presser, the Leeds gaffer doubled down on his call for fan support, even insisting if his side were to win their remaining four homes games, it would guarantee a return to the Premier League, before quickly backtracking and claiming he avoids engaging in such speculation.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the exact points target, Farke was unequivocal in his belief that a roaring Elland Road can be the deciding factor. "One thing I can guarantee is if our home supporters help us, to sing us to four home wins, then 100% we will go up. There’s no doubt about this," he asserted.
This statement clearly lays the responsibility, or at least a significant portion of it, at the feet of the Leeds United supporters. Whites fans are renowned for their unwavering dedication, often structuring their lives around the club. They consistently provide an unwavering atmosphere at Elland Road, and will feel their wholehearted support is already given.
The question remains whether Farke's focus should be directed internally, concentrating on tactics, player performance, and team morale. Perhaps, instead of repeatedly requesting more from the fans, his energy would be better spent ensuring the squad is fully prepared and motivated to deliver on the pitch. While the fans will undoubtedly continue to roar their team on, the responsibility lies with Farke and his players to translate that support into victories and secure the coveted promotion.
Aaronson or Gnonto to start against Jacks
Daniel Farke has a crucial decision looming as Leeds United prepares to face Swansea City at Elland Road this Saturday. With the Championship returning after the international break, the race for automatic promotion intensifies, and Farke must choose the right personnel to secure a vital victory.
The key question revolves around the No 10 role. Wilfred Gnonto, who suffered a minor injury whilst on international duty, is a late fitness call. However, his impactful performance during the second half of the 2-2 draw against QPR before the break has given the gaffer food for thought!
The alternative, Brenden Aaronson, has been noticeably flagging in recent games. While the USA international is known for his relentless work rate and tireless running, his attacking output in 2025 has been underwhelming, contributing just one goal and zero assists.
Gnonto, despite his inconsistent season and occasionally questionable temperament, has matched Aaronson's goal and assist tally (10) while playing significantly fewer minutes (1200 less!). His second-half cameo against QPR highlighted his potential game-changing ability, injecting pace and directness into the Leeds attack.
Farke faces a tactical conundrum. Does he stick with the reliable work ethic of Aaronson, hoping the international break has provided a much-needed refresh? Or does he unleash Gnonto, rewarding his impactful performance and potentially unlocking a more potent attacking threat?
The decision hinges on several factors, including Gnonto's fitness, Aaronson's mental and physical state after the break, and Farke's overall game plan for the Swansea clash. Regardless of the choice, Farke needs a spark from his right-winger as Leeds embarks on the final stretch of the promotion battle. The choice between consistency and potential could be pivotal in determining their fate.
14% hike in season tickets met with disapproval
Leeds United have announced a 14 per cent increase in season ticket prices for the 2025-26 season, marking the third rise in 12 years. The club revealed that the lowest-priced adult tickets will now cost £494.96 (from £431.01), regardless of whether they play in the Championship or the Premier League. This translates to £21.52 per match in the Championship or £26.05 in the Premier League.
The Leeds United Supporters Trust has voiced its "disappointment" with the decision, accusing the club of disregarding fan feedback. They worry the price hike could exclude families and jeopardize the future fanbase, particularly with the removal of the under-11 pricing bracket. The Trust argues that increased revenue from sponsorships and TV rights should offset the need for price increases.
Despite acknowledging the club's engagement, the Trust lamented the lack of action on their feedback. They also criticized the inconsistencies in concession pricing for supporters in full-time education beyond 16. The renewal window opens on March 27 and closes on May 1, with priority given to existing season ticket holders with at least 80 per cent attendance in 2024-25. With a waiting list of around 26,000, demand for season tickets remains high.
Of course that’s what he meant, that’s what’s wrong with all these mandatory press conferences, every sentence gets dissected by people who should know better. Managers must hate them.