Good Morning. It's Tuesday 5th September, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Farke to keep his faith with Rutter
Daniel Farke has insisted he's happy with Georginio Rutter's progress, but he needs to be more brutal in front of goal. He had tried a clever lob, on one of the rare accessions Leeds found themselves one on one with Devis Vásquez (the Sheffield Wednesday keeper), but the execution was lacking. The Leeds gaffer had to console the distraught 21yo after the game, explaining to him, 'it doesn't have to look great, it just has to find the back of the net'.
In contrast to the Ipswich game, where Rutter was lorded by all and sundry, he was remembered for his most recent exploits for different reasons. He couldn't hide his disappointment (after the final whistle) and was given a warm embrace by several Leeds players. Rutter currently operates the centre-forward role, with Joel Piroe sitting just behind him as a No 10. Given the former Swansea players goal ratio, it would be fair to say he would be more suited as a nine, but where would that leave Rutter?
It's important that he's fit and comes into his rhythm and he proved at Ipswich he's in really good shape. As a striker you can't really explain, there are times you find it unbelievably difficult to score and at other times you look at the ball and it goes in". "I spoke to him and told him the solution is not to overthink too much and when you find it difficult to find the net, don't try to be too artificial. It doesn't have to look great, it just has to find the back of the net.
For example, he tried the lob, you need to be there with a brutal finish. He's still a young lad, a young player and has to develop this attitude. During tough times not to overthink and feel sorry for himself. Go for a clinical, brutal finish. That's what he will learn. All strikers have these periods. We're happy we have him.
Mourinho regretting signing Leeds duo
Denmark star, turned Judas, Rasmus Kristensen could return to Elland Road in January if rumours in the Italian press regarding his future are to be believed. The 26 year old has fallen behind both Zeki Celik and Rick Karsdorp in the pecking order at Roma, and is expected to be left out of their Europa League squad. He was named in the starting line up for the season opener against Salernitana, but was substituted at half time in his second match against Verona, and did not feature at all against Milan.
Who would have thought, that after investing so heavily in the likes of Llorente and Kristensen that Roma would find themselves in the drop zone of Serie A?
If you were guaranteed a play off place now, would you take it
Five games in, Leeds find themselves in 15th place in the Championship, with six points on the board, seven points off leaders Preston. It was always going to be a tough ask for any Manager coming in mid Summer, especially with the off field problems Daniel Farke has had to deal with. In truth, the signings look a much better fit, than that of last season; but how long will it take to get the team to gel?
If you were guaranteed a play off place now, would you take it?