Well, we just ended the strangest season.
Back in the prem after short Pre season but we can’t be there till the end.
More than holding our own, evolving and finishing strongly.
Another good performance despite stupid Cooper challenge right at the start.
Kiko doesn’t fluff his lines but his name quickly got dropped from the Pablo song.
Ayling pulled the strings at the back but ran all day, wgat a great season he’s had.
Dallas a bit quiet again, Philips I thought was quiet too except for goal and injury, Alioski full of running but so many misplaced passes. Raphinia not quite so effective but Harrison was a thorn in West Brom side and Rodrigo starting to look consistently better.
Pablo just couldn’t get that goal but was involved a lot abd Berardi, nothing fancy but no mistakes and lovely touch to give them the opportunity to get their own standing ovations.
What a shame that penalty wasn’t a little earlier, I’d have let Berardi take it!
Bamford looked assured taking it and who’d have thought at beginning of season he would have delivered so much...well done!
What next?
The signings have done ok, Raphinha great, Llorente Griendt into role, Rodrigo finally delivering and Koch a revelation in Philips role.
Struijk has matured this season snd we know that in Meslier was have a top keeper.
No farewells from Alioski I wonder if he’s staying but I won’t lose sleep if he goes, we can do much better.
But what about Harrison, will he be in loan all his career or are we going to finally sign him?
Will De Bock walk back into side or will we finally get a LB?
Will Cooper stay as captain next season?
And of course will Biejsa stay in? I think the answer is yes on that one.
Thank you to leeds for an unbelievable season, thanks to Biejsa for giving us breathtaking football making us the talk of the league and improving just about everything for our club.
Goodbye Jack, Norman and Trevor may you all Rest in Peace.
Thank you Pablo and Berra for great service through some awful times and hope they have a swansong left somewhere.
Brilliant season, let’s hope Philips ok for Euros and Paddy gets a call up sbd roll on the summer strengthening, because European qualification next season, here we come!
Thoughts from today
posted on 24/5/21
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 2 minutes ago
What a fantastic season. Can't wait for 21/22. Thanks for your thoughts Jonty, especially as there has been so much going on for you, and everyone else. You are always insightful and fair. We have had a feast of football this season, haven't we? We have entertained, scored fabulous goals, and surprised a few of the establishment. My only hope is we hang on to Bielsa. He has said he has no intention of going elsewhere, but has not put his signature on anything yet. At 65, he must also be thinking about how much more he wants to give to this project. There is still work to be done, but who could have imagined this time 4 years ago, when Radz replace Mr Beautiful Cigarette, and we finished the season in 13th place, that we would be where we are today. One more year Marcelo, por favor!
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I think that should read “Ten more years Marcelo, poor favour!”
If we finish lower than ninth next season I think he will go. Finish higher and he might stay. Finish in Euro spots and he will stay.
I love that Bielsa has healed our whole club from top to bottom. Whenever he chooses to leave, he will leave a much healthier entity than he found when he arrived.
What a guy!
posted on 24/5/21
Spell check mangled the Spanish. Meant “por favor”
posted on 24/5/21
Sorry, of course should have included Peter... it’s been a horrible year for these losses.
Thanks everyone for nice words.
posted on 24/5/21
With all positivity at full output I predicted 8t place this season; never imagined for a moment that we would finish one place and two points off....and just 8 points from a Champions League place.
Marcelo said we could have picked up a few more points; Brighton, Villa, Wolves, West Ham. Three results from those four games. none of which we deserved to lose, and the dreamland Champions League place could have been....
One thing though is for sure now: all teams will be taking us as a serious threat next season, a tough game where more often than not they will have to play their best game to win.
I'm glad we missed out on any kind of European football this year; I just don't think we are quite prepared for it yet.
Onwards and upwards now, and more than happy to be competing if possible for a European spot next season.
MOT
posted on 24/5/21
Comment Deleted by Article Creator
posted on 24/5/21
i can't believe the season is over. what an emotional ending to a great season. so glad that the amazing leeds fans were able to give berra and pablo the type of sendoff they deserved so richly.
at the start i predicted 10th but i can't say i'm really surprised they bettered that and am sure most neutrals weren't either after the very first game of the season when we showed we weren't going to park the bus against the champs.
the summer will be so interesting to see what the next step will be. this year has been so tough for so many reasons but leeds utd have made us all cope a little bit easier with their outstanding play and style.
i know most fans on here have no choice when it comes to supporting the badge, that's what locals do. but i'm so happy i stuck out the 16 years out of the prem because this is absolutely amazing.
i'm walking on air today, think i'll go watch the game again.
posted on 24/5/21
The 'Thoughts from Today/Tonights' have been good Jonty - Thanks
Glad we missed out on European qualification - as already stated above too early in my opinion. Consolidation and steady stable progression is all I'm asking for, for next season and with 2 or 3 good signings in the right areas, I think this will be attained.
posted on 24/5/21
Not sure the fans dropped Kiko's name from the chant because of any misdemeanours, more inserted Gaetano's given his imminent departure and the respect the crowd have for him. Could be wrong for sure, but i didn't see it as a slight or put down for Kiko.
Personally wish Berardi was staying, he's such a solid presence and influence behind the scenes, as well as good when he's played. Good luck to him in his next adventure, wherever that may be.
posted on 24/5/21
How about thoughts from this season Jonty
Enjoyed your ramblings mate, stay safe
posted on 24/5/21
You really want that High?