I’m not saying Bielsa’s team would beat Revie’s, Wilko’s or even O’Leary’s, but the movement, passing and link up play going forward is the best I’ve ever seen from Leeds.
I think the quality of Revies team and possibly Wilkos would have seen them prevail but this is something special that we’re witnessing and I hope all parties allow it to go all the way.
Koch worried you but Cooper didn't?
I'm not sure our defenders worry me anymore than those in other teams.
We could maybe have better, quicker in there. But overall, so far, they're doing okay.
It does look like they need Kalvin in front of them mind.
Four clean sheets in ten games. We might get bit a few times on teams that sit back and can break fast, like Palace and Leicester but apart from that we’ve done OK.
Since Bielsa came we have the best defence in the whole of England. Or is that the most clean sheets?
Koch is settling in now and getting Kalvin back has helped no end.
Get hit, not get a bit.
Can’t we add an edit button?
Pretty obvious now that as others have said the defence is a lot better with KP in front of them so we must sign in January a KP clone or as near to as possible to cover when KP is sidelined for whatever reason.
The only problem is who is there and who is available?
Does anyone have any idea why Roberto or Hernandez aren't featuring at present?
Cause we just beat Everton and got a draw at arsenal, I think we are doing fine without them at the moment
I like Coops, been a great servant to the club and come in for some largely undeserved stick, where his mistakes got pointed out and Jansson's, for example, often over-looked. I'm not convinced about him yet at this level though, but hope he proves me wrong and he grows in confidence. Koch, good on the ball, not great defensively in my view. Hope it's a settling in period. Jury out.
It's not easy as a CB in this team though because when sides beat our press or turn their marker, our defence has quality pacy forwards running at them - which is every defender's nightmare.
The comments about our great defensive record need to consider two things in my view:
1. How good we were in a lower league is a bit irrelevant now we're not
2. We defend as a team high up the pitch, press and win the ball back and dominate possession. We didn't do much defending in the championship - we have a bit more to do this year against better players.
We all know we struggle against well organised sides who are hard to break down and then break with pace. It is what it is. We'll thump some sides and get thumped ourselves a few more times this season.
Trick is not to buy your champion's league tickets when we win or call the samaritans when we lose. Either way, the side will come out and give 100% next time out. All we can ask. Enjoy the ride.
It’s hard to criticize our defending when we are a very front foot team. They play quite well out of the back, but because of the brand of football we play the drawback is being exposed on the counter attack. Excited and looking forward to Chelsea next, very strange that I’d be more daunted by a trip to Brentford.
Our style of play dictates we're always a bit liable at the back, its why we can lose to the Wigans of this world at times.
We've done incredibly well with a core set of players and gradual evolution, just imagine what this team could achieve in another couple of years as players get upgraded.
That's no disrespect to existing players, just that we're relatively early into our journey if that journey is able to continue.
I feel every game that we go into, that we're going to win, regardless of the previous result being a 4-1 reverse, such is the change in absolutely everything that Bielsa has brought in.
It was a huge financial gamble by the club, but a huge financial gamble that paid off that has really brought us something special.
Think back 3 years to the criticism of Philips, of Cooper, the endless stream of goalies that we're working, the failed expensive loanees, the hope that Ekuban should be coming good, trying to justify Heck as a good appointment.
What a change and literally all down to one man.
The club have given him the tools, but if they weren't going to, he wouldn't have come, its really all down to Bielsa and whilst we might have a defeat here, a glut of missed chances there, that's part of the territory and the territory is so rewarding that you have fans from all over the world coming to see a coach in action, not a team, but to worship the coach.
I can't believe that anyone has ever really seen anything like this and its happening at our club, how lucky are we!
Bielsa said Llorente can play in Philips position. Another reason to get him fit ASAP
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 17 minutes ago
Bielsa said Llorente can play in Philips position. Another reason to get him fit ASAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i didn't know that and now that i do i feel much better.
i was just thinking while reading this thread that we need backup for phillips as well as help for koch and coops. all that in one package, i hope he's fit soon.
Big difference between Everton and ourselves was that almost every attack they had was on target and Meslier was really extended at times but up to the task.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
true, but their goalkeeper also made some outstanding saves and harrison should of had a couple maybe. our style will always make us a little more vulnerable at the back but i don't care as i think we'll start popping them in at a more consistent rate. i hope we never change
Thats what he said when we signed him. He should be a great addition when fit.
I think that Bamford was unhappy to come off because he had one eye on the record for scoring in each of our first 5 away games.
It was the right decision anyway - he looked exhausted when he came off.
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 2 hours, 54 minutes ago
Bielsa said Llorente can play in Philips position. Another reason to get him fit ASAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He’s a right footed cb who can also play Left cb and defensive midfield - so on paper a very sensible addition to the squad.
If he was fit
Excellent response, Jonty, echoing my feelings exactly. Just a couple of minor additions.
First, we are improving rapidly. We are 4 points off the top four, and if we continue to grow as we are doing, this is a realistic goal for us. Each week sees the furthering evolution of key palyers, and key aspects in our game. Against Everton, it was the partnership of Alioski and Dallas creating havoc on Everton's right, and the growing confidence of Raphinha, surely one of our key players in the weeks ahead. As for KP, who just a few seasons ago was on the same trajectory as O'Kane, enough has been said by other posters.
Most exciting, though, is our potential for the future, We have had a taste of what Rodrigo will bring. My guess is he is not quite 100% after coronavirus. We have Llorente to look forward to. These are unbelievable times for us after all we have been through. I have gone past the point of criticising Bielsa in any way. There is a God, and he sent us Bielsa.
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 19 hours, 53 minutes ago
Our style of play dictates we're always a bit liable at the back, its why we can lose to the Wigans of this world at times.
We've done incredibly well with a core set of players and gradual evolution, just imagine what this team could achieve in another couple of years as players get upgraded.
That's no disrespect to existing players, just that we're relatively early into our journey if that journey is able to continue.
I feel every game that we go into, that we're going to win, regardless of the previous result being a 4-1 reverse, such is the change in absolutely everything that Bielsa has brought in.
It was a huge financial gamble by the club, but a huge financial gamble that paid off that has really brought us something special.
Think back 3 years to the criticism of Philips, of Cooper, the endless stream of goalies that we're working, the failed expensive loanees, the hope that Ekuban should be coming good, trying to justify Heck as a good appointment.
What a change and literally all down to one man.
The club have given him the tools, but if they weren't going to, he wouldn't have come, its really all down to Bielsa and whilst we might have a defeat here, a glut of missed chances there, that's part of the territory and the territory is so rewarding that you have fans from all over the world coming to see a coach in action, not a team, but to worship the coach.
I can't believe that anyone has ever really seen anything like this and its happening at our club, how lucky are we!
----------------------------------
Jonty, you know me mate, I'll tell you if you're talking bo llox, and I'll agree if if I do...
my word, I've never agreed with a comment on here as much as this one.
I'm glad you mentioned 'couple of years' ref the unprading of players.. this is key for me, because sniffing success, like you and I are, could all go very wrong i you don't play it right, just ask Pete, or David. one or two players in within each transfer window, hand picked by Bielsa, the mind shudders at what COULD happen.... also, within a couple of years.. (nod to Ayling in his interview), you see how much players are improving, KP stands out in terms of international football hero potential... but others, Klitch?, Costa? Koch.. what could they be in another two years?
with the gretaest respect to Bamford, Dallas etc.. those are the players that would prob be 'upgraded' over time.
to echo you J-dog, How lucky we really are.
We need to keep Bielsa for 5 years more.. because what we could build here is nothing we dreamed of back L1
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 14 hours, 15 minutes ago
Excellent response, Jonty, echoing my feelings exactly. Just a couple of minor additions.
First, we are improving rapidly. We are 4 points off the top four, and if we continue to grow as we are doing, this is a realistic goal for us. Each week sees the furthering evolution of key palyers, and key aspects in our game. Against Everton, it was the partnership of Alioski and Dallas creating havoc on Everton's right, and the growing confidence of Raphinha, surely one of our key players in the weeks ahead. As for KP, who just a few seasons ago was on the same trajectory as O'Kane, enough has been said by other posters.
Most exciting, though, is our potential for the future, We have had a taste of what Rodrigo will bring. My guess is he is not quite 100% after coronavirus. We have Llorente to look forward to. These are unbelievable times for us after all we have been through. I have gone past the point of criticising Bielsa in any way. There is a God, and he sent us Bielsa.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I saud at beginning of season and I stick with it at this point, I see us making top 6.
The length of time the players have been together under this system shows in the incredible link up play and you’re right, Alioski and Dallas is great example if that coming to fruition....now imagine 2 higher level players having that time together, we’d be lethal but also credit to Alioski and Dallas and buying into the philosophy, trusting the coach and maximising their potential.
We all have strengths and weaknesses as people, Bielsa is no different, but if you’re buying into him because of his strengths you can’t then complain about the weaknesses, which you should be aware of from the start.
The important thing is that he feels supported and thinks ‘why would I want to be anywhere else?’ He’s made huge sacrifice to be with us instead of with his wife and family, I really respect that commitment and he deserves that same commitment back from the club, which he seems to get.
It can all change just like that of course, so we should enjoy whilst we can and support the club in supporting him.
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Thoughts from yesterday
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posted on 29/11/20
I’m not saying Bielsa’s team would beat Revie’s, Wilko’s or even O’Leary’s, but the movement, passing and link up play going forward is the best I’ve ever seen from Leeds.
posted on 29/11/20
I think the quality of Revies team and possibly Wilkos would have seen them prevail but this is something special that we’re witnessing and I hope all parties allow it to go all the way.
posted on 30/11/20
Koch worried you but Cooper didn't?
posted on 30/11/20
I'm not sure our defenders worry me anymore than those in other teams.
We could maybe have better, quicker in there. But overall, so far, they're doing okay.
It does look like they need Kalvin in front of them mind.
posted on 30/11/20
Four clean sheets in ten games. We might get bit a few times on teams that sit back and can break fast, like Palace and Leicester but apart from that we’ve done OK.
Since Bielsa came we have the best defence in the whole of England. Or is that the most clean sheets?
Koch is settling in now and getting Kalvin back has helped no end.
posted on 30/11/20
Get hit, not get a bit.
Can’t we add an edit button?
posted on 30/11/20
Pretty obvious now that as others have said the defence is a lot better with KP in front of them so we must sign in January a KP clone or as near to as possible to cover when KP is sidelined for whatever reason.
The only problem is who is there and who is available?
posted on 30/11/20
Does anyone have any idea why Roberto or Hernandez aren't featuring at present?
posted on 30/11/20
Cause we just beat Everton and got a draw at arsenal, I think we are doing fine without them at the moment
posted on 30/11/20
I like Coops, been a great servant to the club and come in for some largely undeserved stick, where his mistakes got pointed out and Jansson's, for example, often over-looked. I'm not convinced about him yet at this level though, but hope he proves me wrong and he grows in confidence. Koch, good on the ball, not great defensively in my view. Hope it's a settling in period. Jury out.
It's not easy as a CB in this team though because when sides beat our press or turn their marker, our defence has quality pacy forwards running at them - which is every defender's nightmare.
The comments about our great defensive record need to consider two things in my view:
1. How good we were in a lower league is a bit irrelevant now we're not
2. We defend as a team high up the pitch, press and win the ball back and dominate possession. We didn't do much defending in the championship - we have a bit more to do this year against better players.
We all know we struggle against well organised sides who are hard to break down and then break with pace. It is what it is. We'll thump some sides and get thumped ourselves a few more times this season.
Trick is not to buy your champion's league tickets when we win or call the samaritans when we lose. Either way, the side will come out and give 100% next time out. All we can ask. Enjoy the ride.
posted on 30/11/20
It’s hard to criticize our defending when we are a very front foot team. They play quite well out of the back, but because of the brand of football we play the drawback is being exposed on the counter attack. Excited and looking forward to Chelsea next, very strange that I’d be more daunted by a trip to Brentford.
posted on 30/11/20
Our style of play dictates we're always a bit liable at the back, its why we can lose to the Wigans of this world at times.
We've done incredibly well with a core set of players and gradual evolution, just imagine what this team could achieve in another couple of years as players get upgraded.
That's no disrespect to existing players, just that we're relatively early into our journey if that journey is able to continue.
I feel every game that we go into, that we're going to win, regardless of the previous result being a 4-1 reverse, such is the change in absolutely everything that Bielsa has brought in.
It was a huge financial gamble by the club, but a huge financial gamble that paid off that has really brought us something special.
Think back 3 years to the criticism of Philips, of Cooper, the endless stream of goalies that we're working, the failed expensive loanees, the hope that Ekuban should be coming good, trying to justify Heck as a good appointment.
What a change and literally all down to one man.
The club have given him the tools, but if they weren't going to, he wouldn't have come, its really all down to Bielsa and whilst we might have a defeat here, a glut of missed chances there, that's part of the territory and the territory is so rewarding that you have fans from all over the world coming to see a coach in action, not a team, but to worship the coach.
I can't believe that anyone has ever really seen anything like this and its happening at our club, how lucky are we!
posted on 30/11/20
Bielsa said Llorente can play in Philips position. Another reason to get him fit ASAP
posted on 30/11/20
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 17 minutes ago
Bielsa said Llorente can play in Philips position. Another reason to get him fit ASAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
i didn't know that and now that i do i feel much better.
i was just thinking while reading this thread that we need backup for phillips as well as help for koch and coops. all that in one package, i hope he's fit soon.
posted on 30/11/20
Big difference between Everton and ourselves was that almost every attack they had was on target and Meslier was really extended at times but up to the task.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
true, but their goalkeeper also made some outstanding saves and harrison should of had a couple maybe. our style will always make us a little more vulnerable at the back but i don't care as i think we'll start popping them in at a more consistent rate. i hope we never change
posted on 30/11/20
Thats what he said when we signed him. He should be a great addition when fit.
posted on 30/11/20
I think that Bamford was unhappy to come off because he had one eye on the record for scoring in each of our first 5 away games.
It was the right decision anyway - he looked exhausted when he came off.
posted on 30/11/20
comment by Outwood White (U9610)
posted 2 hours, 54 minutes ago
Bielsa said Llorente can play in Philips position. Another reason to get him fit ASAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He’s a right footed cb who can also play Left cb and defensive midfield - so on paper a very sensible addition to the squad.
If he was fit
posted on 30/11/20
Excellent response, Jonty, echoing my feelings exactly. Just a couple of minor additions.
First, we are improving rapidly. We are 4 points off the top four, and if we continue to grow as we are doing, this is a realistic goal for us. Each week sees the furthering evolution of key palyers, and key aspects in our game. Against Everton, it was the partnership of Alioski and Dallas creating havoc on Everton's right, and the growing confidence of Raphinha, surely one of our key players in the weeks ahead. As for KP, who just a few seasons ago was on the same trajectory as O'Kane, enough has been said by other posters.
Most exciting, though, is our potential for the future, We have had a taste of what Rodrigo will bring. My guess is he is not quite 100% after coronavirus. We have Llorente to look forward to. These are unbelievable times for us after all we have been through. I have gone past the point of criticising Bielsa in any way. There is a God, and he sent us Bielsa.
posted on 1/12/20
Klich!!!!
Fooken awesome
posted on 1/12/20
comment by Jonty (U4614)
posted 19 hours, 53 minutes ago
Our style of play dictates we're always a bit liable at the back, its why we can lose to the Wigans of this world at times.
We've done incredibly well with a core set of players and gradual evolution, just imagine what this team could achieve in another couple of years as players get upgraded.
That's no disrespect to existing players, just that we're relatively early into our journey if that journey is able to continue.
I feel every game that we go into, that we're going to win, regardless of the previous result being a 4-1 reverse, such is the change in absolutely everything that Bielsa has brought in.
It was a huge financial gamble by the club, but a huge financial gamble that paid off that has really brought us something special.
Think back 3 years to the criticism of Philips, of Cooper, the endless stream of goalies that we're working, the failed expensive loanees, the hope that Ekuban should be coming good, trying to justify Heck as a good appointment.
What a change and literally all down to one man.
The club have given him the tools, but if they weren't going to, he wouldn't have come, its really all down to Bielsa and whilst we might have a defeat here, a glut of missed chances there, that's part of the territory and the territory is so rewarding that you have fans from all over the world coming to see a coach in action, not a team, but to worship the coach.
I can't believe that anyone has ever really seen anything like this and its happening at our club, how lucky are we!
----------------------------------
Jonty, you know me mate, I'll tell you if you're talking bo llox, and I'll agree if if I do...
my word, I've never agreed with a comment on here as much as this one.
I'm glad you mentioned 'couple of years' ref the unprading of players.. this is key for me, because sniffing success, like you and I are, could all go very wrong i you don't play it right, just ask Pete, or David. one or two players in within each transfer window, hand picked by Bielsa, the mind shudders at what COULD happen.... also, within a couple of years.. (nod to Ayling in his interview), you see how much players are improving, KP stands out in terms of international football hero potential... but others, Klitch?, Costa? Koch.. what could they be in another two years?
with the gretaest respect to Bamford, Dallas etc.. those are the players that would prob be 'upgraded' over time.
to echo you J-dog, How lucky we really are.
We need to keep Bielsa for 5 years more.. because what we could build here is nothing we dreamed of back L1
posted on 1/12/20
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 14 hours, 15 minutes ago
Excellent response, Jonty, echoing my feelings exactly. Just a couple of minor additions.
First, we are improving rapidly. We are 4 points off the top four, and if we continue to grow as we are doing, this is a realistic goal for us. Each week sees the furthering evolution of key palyers, and key aspects in our game. Against Everton, it was the partnership of Alioski and Dallas creating havoc on Everton's right, and the growing confidence of Raphinha, surely one of our key players in the weeks ahead. As for KP, who just a few seasons ago was on the same trajectory as O'Kane, enough has been said by other posters.
Most exciting, though, is our potential for the future, We have had a taste of what Rodrigo will bring. My guess is he is not quite 100% after coronavirus. We have Llorente to look forward to. These are unbelievable times for us after all we have been through. I have gone past the point of criticising Bielsa in any way. There is a God, and he sent us Bielsa.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I saud at beginning of season and I stick with it at this point, I see us making top 6.
The length of time the players have been together under this system shows in the incredible link up play and you’re right, Alioski and Dallas is great example if that coming to fruition....now imagine 2 higher level players having that time together, we’d be lethal but also credit to Alioski and Dallas and buying into the philosophy, trusting the coach and maximising their potential.
We all have strengths and weaknesses as people, Bielsa is no different, but if you’re buying into him because of his strengths you can’t then complain about the weaknesses, which you should be aware of from the start.
The important thing is that he feels supported and thinks ‘why would I want to be anywhere else?’ He’s made huge sacrifice to be with us instead of with his wife and family, I really respect that commitment and he deserves that same commitment back from the club, which he seems to get.
It can all change just like that of course, so we should enjoy whilst we can and support the club in supporting him.
Page 1 of 1