Haven't gotten to see matches in recent weeks due to work.
Very disappointed that we made far too many changes and went out of FA cup when cup competition is valuable for money, fringe player match time and the buzz for the town.
But, cannot argue with the league form AND the entertainment. We had been playing boring football but that's changed, now more effective in front of goal, scoring goals for fun and been rewarded with a bit of a gap at the top.
Much maligned Piroe at the top of the scoring charts now:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/top-scorers
with James, Aaronson and Solomon right up there too.
I do worry about an injury to Piroe and whether Joseph can contribute, but otherwise we've ridden the sack Meslier phase, now powering towards the home straight and surely we're going up.
Assuming we do go up, what happens next?
The reality is Farke has a superb record as Leeds manager for wins and points and we know is a proven promotion winner.
But he's struggled in the Prem and we have seen signs of his teams being utterly unable to solve the problem some teams pose.
We've heard that Farke will be better supported by Leeds if we go up and I would be really surprised if Leeds got rid of a manager who just won them promotion, but we will need to invest heavily to survive in that league.
And for hat trick of articles....
posted on 14/2/25
The Farke handbrake has either been released or
someone at the club stole it from Farke's office. Either
way, the brand of football our starting XI is playing
right now, is as good as it gets. Home straight for sure.
As for Farke and the Prem? History says he's great
at taking clubs up. History also says he hasn't been
able to keep them there. That could change.
But, as they say, you have to get there first.
posted on 14/2/25
You missed some doozies Jonty. Besides the misstep that was the FA cup we're where we want to be at this stage.
Hope farke continues this and doesn't put the break on for Sunderland because we
should smash them.
posted on 14/2/25
It feels a little weird and very un Leeds United. The way we are controlling games, the manner in which we have dispatched teams. The unrelenting press I think shows just how fit the team is. The players look like they are having fun. They work for eachother.
Our home form is remarkable. The goal tally and goal difference is superb. For some reason it feels inevitable that we get promoted. Is this entitled or are we just looking at the facts?
I really hope we can get over the line this year. I was at Wembley, and it all felt a bit ‘oh well’….as though possibly we knew if we got promoted we would get relegated immediately (look at what is happening to Southampton)….really feels different this year. The squad seems much more balanced and cohesive. Really think we can do well in PL with the right additions. And fully trust we can get that done after the transfer business we did to get this far.
I feel no jeopardy looming from the next two games. That’s how confident this team makes me. I honestly think we are way better than the 3 chasing teams. Obviously things can change with a couple of bad results, but I just can’t see it happening.
MOT
posted on 14/2/25
Yep, due to being a Leeds fan of a certain age, it’s ‘Pavlov’s Dog’ syndrome for me … I’m still very much ‘hoping’ rather than ‘expecting’😁
posted on 14/2/25
Good to see you back, Jonty, I thought you must have gone into hiding after the Watford result. Did you get to the game?
Like many, I have been critical of Farke, but as you say, his record with us is superb, and his strategic, man-management and motivational skills are undeniable. When you have players like Gnonto and Ramazani who can’t get onto the first team, you know the rest of the division has a problem. And when you see the intuitive understanding between players on the pitch, you are seeing the product of skillful, tactical training.
In the last three games, I think we have moved up to a higher level than the rest of the league and against Watford, I had this rare feeling of joy in watching a work of art unfold. It was Leeds United, playing sweeter than the New York Philharmonic.
I think we will win our next two and, with an easier run after that, promotion with a couple of games to spare.