Leeds United | 2020/21 Season

[KingKhanWC]

Liverpool V Leeds

Premier League - 12/09 - 15.00 UK time.

Good luck , you'll need it on your return to the big league

[IAJ]

Liverpool V Leeds

Premier League - 12/09 - 15.00 UK time.

Good luck , you'll need it on your return to the big league

Would be a big upset if Liverpool wins this one.

On a serious note, I read a while back that Leeds will get a new sponsor and that Adidas will be the kit supplier. I was so happy and was looking forward to order the new shirt. But once again they got a betting/gambling sponsor, really hate it.

[KingKhanWC]

Would be a big upset if Liverpool wins this one.

On a serious note, I read a while back that Leeds will get a new sponsor and that Adidas will be the kit supplier. I was so happy and was looking forward to order the new shirt. But once again they got a betting/gambling sponsor, really hate it.

Yes it's immoral to wear a shirt with gambling adverts. Sports gambling esp through betting apps is a huge problem esp young adults, so many are ruining their lives with this addiction.

Last I heard the gambling commision was considering a ban in sports but those companies are fighting it.

In which position would Leeds fans be happy finishing in their first season back? Usually for all teams it's avoid relegation.

[IAJ]

Yes it's immoral to wear a shirt with gambling adverts. Sports gambling esp through betting apps is a huge problem esp young adults, so many are ruining their lives with this addiction.

Last I heard the gambling commision was considering a ban in sports but those companies are fighting it.

In which position would Leeds fans be happy finishing in their first season back? Usually for all teams it's avoid relegation.

Leeds is a big club and I know I might sound rather optimistic, but I believe a postition between 9-14 would be realistic. We have already got a player in the England national squad, so things looking quite good.

[SpiritOf1903]

Leeds is a big club and I know I might sound rather optimistic, but I believe a postition between 9-14 would be realistic. We have already got a player in the England national squad, so things looking quite good.

The thing is they might well do a Wolves or they could as well do a Norwich ...

[Manager102]

Very astute signing in Rodrigo

[James]

The goal of any newly promoted team in the Premier League should simply be to stay up. Any place 17th and above is a success. Of course, if it goes better than this for Leeds, then that would be a great bonus.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The goal of any newly promoted team in the Premier League should simply be to stay up. Any place 17th and above is a success. Of course, if it goes better than this for Leeds, then that would be a great bonus.

Absolutely. I saw Leeds a few times last season, and while I love the style implemented by Bielsa, you really need top level finishing for it to work. They'll get punished in the Premier league if they are less than ruthless when they push forward. However I hope they can stay up and consolidate. Leeds have the potential to be one of the genuine big clubs in England (as they were once before), they will be a great addition to the league.

[Firebat]

Leeds United sign Valencia forward Rodrigo for club record fee

Leeds United have signed Spain forward Rodrigo from Valencia for a club record 29m euro (£26m) fee.

Rodrigo, 29, has signed a four-year contract with Marcelo Bielsa's side, who are back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

He scored 59 goals in 220 games for Valencia, helping the La Liga club win the Copa del Rey in 2018-19.

Leeds' previous record transfer was former England captain Rio Ferdinand, who cost £18m from West Ham in 2000.

Rodrigo had a spell in England with Bolton Wanderers in 2010-11 and initially joined Valencia on loan from Portuguese side Benfica in 2014.

Born in Brazil, he made his Spain debut in 2014 and has scored eight goals in 22 international appearances.

Leeds released a video of Rodrigo thanking the club's fans for their "messages on social media" welcoming him to Elland Road, before signing off with: "Come on Leeds, marching on together."

In an Instagram video to Valencia supporters, he said: "After six seasons, it's time to separate our pathway. It's been a very tough decision but I believe it's time to take on a new challenge."

The Spanish club confirmed a deal had been agreed on Tuesday, posting on social media: "Valencia want to thank Rodrigo Moreno for his commitment and effort over the past six seasons.

"We wish him all the best in this new stage of his career at Leeds United."

Leeds won the Championship by 10 points last season to secure their return to the top flight for the first time since 2004.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53914263

[Firebat]

Leeds United have secured defender Robin Koch from SC Freiburg on a four-year deal, making their second signing in one day.

[Firebat]

Rodrigo is a top class signing for Leeds, fantastic business.

[Firebat]

Leeds might break their transfer record on a player named Rodrigo for the second time this window...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leeds United told to pay up to £31m for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul

Leeds United are interested in signing Udinese’s Argentinian international Rodrigo De Paul but have been told any move for the midfielder would cost in the region of €30m-€35m.

The 26-year-old, who scored seven league goals in Serie A last season, had a breakthrough year in 2019 – playing a key part in helping Argentina to the semi-finals of the Copa América – and has since developed into one of the brightest talents in Italy.

Marcelo Bielsa is very keen to bring the No 10 to Elland Road, following the recent arrivals of Robin Koch from Freiburg and Rodrigo Moreno from De Paul’s previous club, Valencia. Leeds are also in advanced talks for centre-back Josko Gvardiol from Dinamo Zagreb.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...odrigo-de-paul

[Firebat]

Will Marcelo Bielsa’s team be another Sheffield United or more like Norwich? Much may depend on record signing Rodrigo

Guardian writers’ predicted position: 10th (NB: this is not necessarily Louise Taylor’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position: 1st in the Championship

Like a lot of Yorkshiremen Steve McClaren once dreamt of managing Leeds. He never did – although there was a time when it came very close to happening – but the former Middlesbrough, FC Twente, Newcastle and England head coach fully understands the innate uncertainty of pre-season.

“You never quite know what’s going to happen,” McClaren reflected during those Newcastle days. “No manager does and if they say they do they’re lying. You hope your plan’s going to work and you know you’ve done all the right things in training but, until your team actually starts playing games, there’s always that element of doubt. No one’s ever really sure.”

Right now Leeds are shrouded in considerable uncertainty. There’s plenty of excitement, giddy optimism even, but it is impossible to predict what will happen when Marcelo Bielsa is perched back on his blue technical area bucket and his team cross the white line.

Will they emulate the audaciously upward trajectory Sheffield United took last season? Or might Norwich’s gallant struggles be a more realistic template? Yes, in Bielsa, Leeds possess one of the world’s foremost tactical brains but his squad do not mirror their manager’s brilliance.

Moreover their style – high-energy pressing, intricate positional interchanging, perfectly timed overloads, advanced discipline – is relentlessly demanding. Admittedly Mauricio Pochettino, like Pep Guardiola and Zinedine Zidane a true Bielsaite, played a version of the same sort of style at Tottenham but he had better players.

Such caution is leavened by the success of Sheffield United’s swashbuckling overlapping centre-halves in a side of what had once been regarded as strictly League One players. Not to mention the doom-mongers who claimed Leeds and Bielsa would crash and burn in the Championship.

Instead, led by the excellent captain and centre-half Liam Cooper – and, remember, he was initially dubbed “League One Liam” – they blew away the second tier. Leeds would probably have been promoted before lockdown had Patrick Bamford’s finishing been as good as his movement.

Given that chances are rarer in the Premier League, Leeds fans must pray that Rodrigo, the £27m marquee Spain striker signed from Valencia, does not mislay his shooting boots as often as Bamford.

The fee for Rodrigo, who can be highly effective in a deeper No 10 style role and has also operated as a winger, could rise to £36m and he is set to collect around £100,000 a week, so Bielsa needs the club’s most expensive signing since Rio Ferdinand’s £18m acquisition from West Ham 20 years ago to hit the ground running.

Further back, Leeds were disappointed when Ben White, last season’s star loanee at centre-half, signed a new contract with Brighton but Bielsa has endeavoured to mitigate the loss of White by signing the Germany international Robin Koch from Freiburg as Cooper’s new partner.

At least the England newbie Kalvin Phillips is around to screen the defence from his holding midfield role. Potentially one of the finest anchors in the top flight, Phillips could well emerge as key figure.

Arguably of equal importance is the question of when crowds will be able to return. Relationships between crowds and teams are rarely as mutually important as that involving Leeds and fans who revel in making Elland Road one of the most infamously intimidating in England. The cardboard cutouts of season-ticket holders deployed during lockdown were surprisingly life-like but no substitute for the genuine hostile, high-decibel article. Bielsa’s playing style demands plenty of adrenaline and his side have so often depended – heavily – on their supporters to help raise the tempo by supplying it.

In the past couple of seasons Leeds have also frequently turned to Pablo Hernández in moments of on-pitch need. But the Spanish creative wizard is 35 and must be used a little sparingly. Can El Loco squeeze one last season in the sun out of his talisman? Much potentially hinges on it.

Intriguing as Bielsa’s tactical duels with Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, Chris Wilder et al will doubtless prove, and genuine as his emotional bond with Leeds appears, there remains the lingering fear of dormant fragility. The sense that, should something go wrong, a coach whose sojourns at Marseille, Lazio and Lille proved disappointingly brief could suddenly opt to take his bucket elsewhere.

But perhaps that latent fear is the price Leeds must pay for life with a coach whose exceptional, life-affirming, talents come clothed in the most enigmatic of cloaks.

The manager
On the touchline: Bielsa habitually views games perched, largely emotionless, on his famous upturned blue bucket. The bucket has its own Twitter account, and replicas sell for £80, but the reason Bielsa sits on it is to manage chronic back pain.

On Zoom: Although his English is very decent, the Argentinian conducts press conferences through an interpreter, frequently correcting any mistranslations. Something of a pedant, Bielsa is capable of answering a straightforward inquiry about an injury with a 1,500-word monolgue. Maintains inscrutable expression throughout.

The key
Hernández has been arguably Leeds’s most influential player under Bielsa. The game changing Spaniard has proved the team’s creative attacking midfield catalyst, helping turn draws into wins. Hernández’s advancing years dictate that influence may come, increasingly, after stepping off the bench but Leeds need his vision and incision.

The owners
Andrea Radrizzani is a 45-year Milanese businessmen and media rights specialist. The public relations graduate founded the sports broadcasting group Eleven Sports. In 2018 his estimated wealth was £450m. He bought Leeds from Massimo Cellino in 2017.

Young blood
Sam Greenwood, an 18-year-old striker, joined from Arsenal for an initial £1.5m. A product of Sunderland’s academy watched repeatedly by Milan and Manchester United scouts, Greenwood is a free-scoring England youth international. Two-footed, he relishes running at defenders.

New blood
Leeds have broken their transfer record to take Rodrigo from Valencia for an initial £27m, comfortably eclipsing the £18m paid to West Ham for Rio Ferdinand in 2000. Rodrigo becomes the highest earner in the club’s history

Kit story
Leeds have played in their white home kit since 1961 when Don Revie became manager and replaced the blue and yellow/gold strip with an all-white strip modelled on that of Real Madrid. The blue and yellow survives via assorted trims.

Notes from an empty stadium
Elland Road has always ranked among England’s most intimidating arenas. Leeds have endeavoured to replicate that hostility with cardboard cutouts modelled from photographs of season-ticket holders. Directors and stewards prove surprisingly vocal behind closed doors.

Euros vision
Kalvin Phillips is a newcomer to Gareth Southgate’s England squad and the defensive midfielder has the ability to stay in it. Bielsa’s tenure has seen a promising homegrown midfielder with an eye for goal morph into one of the finest holding players around. The 24-year-old’s passing range sees him dubbed “the Yorkshire Pirlo” and his defensive screening abilities make him a quasi-sweeper.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...9-leeds-united

[Markhor]

Enjoyed watching the Sky documentary on Leeds Utd available on YouTube.

Peter Ridsdale came across as a sleazeball. Good that one of the fallen giants of English football are back where they belong.

[Robert]

Good to see one of the great English clubs back where they belong.

[MenInG]

Leeds have been fined £20,000 and warned about their future conduct after admitting a breach of FA Rule E20 by using pyrotechnics after their game against Derby.

[Firebat]

Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa to stay at club for Premier League campaign

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed he will be staying with the club for their first season back in the Premier League.

The 65-year-old's contract expired at the end of last season after he led Leeds to the Championship title.

Bielsa joined on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year, in June 2018.

"Everything has been sorted and it's definite I will be here next season," said the Argentine.

When he joined the club two years ago, Bielsa said the chance to manage Leeds "was impossible to turn down" and it had always been his "ambition to work in England".

Leeds missed out on promotion in his first year in charge after losing to Derby County in the Championship play-off semi-finals, but finished 10 points clear of West Brom at the top of the second flight last season.

In August, Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear said Bielsa was "very, very close" to signing a new contract but that he "was confused on training" and that it was "about him getting the time to focus on signing it".

Bielsa added that Leeds "will try to play the same way" as in their Championship-winning campaign but that it was "difficult to say how the players are going to adjust to the Premier League".

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54105315

[MenInG]

Leeds United confirm Marcelo Bielsa has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

[Firebat]

Marcelo Bielsa exclusive: Leeds manager ready for Premier League challenge starting with Liverpool

He is one of the world's most revered managers, a God-like figure to some who counts Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino among his disciples. He is viewed as an enigma, an eccentric, an obsessive. He is Marcelo Bielsa, saviour of Leeds and architect of their Premier League return.

His managerial career spans four decades. It has taken him to seven different countries on three different continents. There has been glory - although many would argue not enough - and acrimony too. Books have been written about his methods; papers published on his tactics.

His idiosyncrasies only add to his aura. He sits on an upturned bucket in his technical area on matchdays and lives in a one-bedroom flat in Wetherby. There are shopping trips to Morrisons and coaching meetings in the local Costa. He is rarely seen in anything other than his Leeds tracksuit. He even wore it to the club's black-tie centenary dinner last year.

It is rare, in the theatre of modern football, for a manager to come with a genuine air of mystique but it has followed Bielsa throughout his career. He does not care for the limelight. He keeps media engagements to a minimum and speaks without soundbites, eschewing eye contact.

The Premier League, though, brings another level of attention and, ahead of Leeds' opening game of the season against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, Bielsa has agreed to take questions from Sky Sports.

It is, we are told, his first one-on-one interview in 27 years.

It takes place, by video call, after the press conference in which he has confirmed he is staying at Leeds for another season. The news is expected but it comes as a relief to supporters nonetheless. Bielsa is nothing if not unpredictable. He left his post at Marseille one game into his second season and walked away from Lazio two days after his appointment.

At Leeds, though, there is little doubt he is happy, his work unfinished.

Leeds won the Sky Bet Championship by a 10-poin margin last season
Since the celebrations which greeted their long-awaited promotion in July, he has left nothing to chance - "I haven't had any free time to take a holiday," he says - in order to prepare his players for the challenge ahead.

"With preparation, you always have to consider every aspect," Bielsa tells Sky Sports. "You have to prepare mentally and you have to prepare physically. I don't know how the players are going to adjust. It's something you have to experience before you can be sure of it."

Bielsa's devotion to the job is absolute. "His work ethic is incomparable," says Guardiola in Sky Sports documentary Bielsa: El Loco and Leeds. There are stories of him shutting himself away for days on end to pore over match footage. His meticulous approach to analysis is legendary, enhanced by the PowerPoint presentation he gave during the infamous Spygate saga.

But it is not a reputation he much cares for. He is fixated solely on coaching, far more interested in the job itself than the discussions around it.

"I don't distinguish myself by my analysis," he says. "What I do is what every manager does." Of Saturday's opponents, Liverpool, he adds: "When we are talking about such a well-known side, the analysis I can do myself is no different to yours. They are a great team. One of the best in the world."

The trip to Anfield underlines the step up in quality facing Bielsa's side this season but Leeds swept all before them in the Championship last term, overwhelming opponents in the way Bielsa always demands from his teams; with a combination of slick passing football and breathless pressing high up the pitch.

It is exhilarating to watch and its success at Leeds has been a triumph of coaching more than anything else.

Read more: https://www.skysports.com/football/n...with-liverpool

[IAJ]

Let the fun start. I am a bit nervous. Let’s hope for the best.

[Kianig89]

16 long years long long time I was in school when Leeds last played in EPL cell phones were in infancy no concept of DSL in Pakistan Leeds luneup was

Robinson
Kelly Matteo Duburry Harte
Kewell bowyer Batty Pennant
Smith Viduka

[IAJ]

3-3 at the moment. What a game it has been for 70 minutes. Come on Leeds!

[TrentDevil]

Liverpool might just get away with it but Leeds have been brilliant. Have dominated possession in 2nd half but Liverpool are getting more shots

[IAJ]

What a match! Would have loved a draw but Salah was the difference.
Both of new signings for Leeds made errors and caused penalties.

[Firebat]

Liverpool 4-3 Leeds United: 'Premier League return magnificently chaotic for Marcelo Bielsa's club'

Leeds United have had their noses pressed up against the Premier League's window for 16 years - the promised land for a former superpower that spent too long falling on hard times.

If this magnificently chaotic, dramatic return to the top order at Liverpool is anything to go by, Marcelo Bielsa's team will be making up for that lost time very quickly.

Leeds lost a flawed and fabulous football match 4-3, their comeback ruined with two minutes to go by a brainless challenge from new £30m striker Rodrigo as he bundled Fabinho to the ground, leaving Mohamed Salah to complete his hat-trick and give the reigning champions three points.

This was a different Premier League opener at a largely deserted Anfield and, once again, the great regret was that 54,000 supporters could not have packed out the stadium to revel in this piece of theatre.

It was not perfect, far from it.

The defending from both sides was dreadful, but this was such rich entertainment it actually enhanced the spectacle rather than diminished it.

Liverpool did what they do. They won.

Leeds United left empty-handed, when their reward is measured in points, but they will take much pleasure and satisfaction back across the Pennines to Yorkshire when the pain subsides.Bielsa and his players always promised to decorate the Premier League after the manner in which they gained promotion as Championship winners least season - and it will be some ride if this is going to be the template for their campaign.

Any pessimists among Leeds fans (not that there seem to be many) would have had their heads in their hands when Liverpool scored after just three minutes, but they would have been thrilled by the response.

Leeds did not take a backward step, playing Liverpool at their own high-intensity pressing game and almost coming away with a point.

They scored goals of polish, such as Jack Harrison's sweet, right-foot shot past Alisson at the end of a swift move started by a pass from goalkeeper Illan Meslier to make it 1-1, then the perfect technique of a first touch and volleyed finish from Mateusz Klich to draw them level for a third time.

Leeds play with unrelenting energy. It may yet be that this fierce style catches up with them in a long, unforgiving season but it is going to be fun as long as it lasts.

And at the heart of it all is the charismatic Bielsa, crouching for periods long enough to render many unable to return to a standing position, then prowling his technical area, even knocking a drink over in brief celebration after Harrison made it 1-1.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's respect for Bielsa was illustrated by his references to "Mr Bielsa" in his match notes and the embrace of appreciation the pair shared at the final whistle.

It is easy to get over-sentimental about Leeds United's return to the Premier League. They may not have been missed quite as much as many romantics might suggest and the assertion they "belong" in the top echelon is not necessarily backed up by their history of spending time in other divisions.

However, what cannot be denied is that the thought of this ambitious attacking team bringing the Bielsa brand of football to a stadium near you is a mouth-watering prospect, especially when it is eventually in front of a packed Elland Road.

It was, ultimately, a defeat and there were imperfections for Bielsa to address, such as naive defending and the less than glittering introductions of his two new signings.

Robin Koch had a rough debut, handling to concede a penalty then losing Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool's second goal, while it is to be hoped Rodrigo is rather more adapt and capable in the opposition penalty area than he proved in his own.

But it is early days. Koch will not face many tougher tests than this, while Rodrigo's forte is clearly elsewhere.

When the disappointment eases, this was back in the big time with a bang for Leeds as they ran last season's champions every inch of the way before that late lapse.

They were fearless against Liverpool so do not expect them to play with fear against anyone.

It is an approach from Bielsa that will have bad days among the good, but if this first taste of Leeds United back in the Premier League is the start of more of the same, most people will simply say: "Bring it on."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54134753

[Firebat]

What a game it was last night, spectator's dream, coach's nightmare

A few of those goals by Leeds were outstanding, the courage and bravery to go to the home of the champions in your first game back in the league and really take the game to them, it really was amazing.

Didn't deserve to lose, but that 86th minute tackle Rodrigo (their record signing making his debut ) made was just horrendous. One of the biggest brain fades I've seen in a while, I still don't know what he was doing.

[SpiritOf1903]

Tom White bid again ?

[IAJ]

What a game it was last night, spectator's dream, coach's nightmare

A few of those goals by Leeds were outstanding, the courage and bravery to go to the home of the champions in your first game back in the league and really take the game to them, it really was amazing.

Didn't deserve to lose, but that 86th minute tackle Rodrigo (their record signing making his debut ) made was just horrendous. One of the biggest brain fades I've seen in a while, I still don't know what he was doing.

That is always a big risk with strikers trying to help in own box. The funny thing is both penalties were caused by the new signings. So if you take out the penalties, Leeds are actually the winners

[watson367]

I reckon they'll be the new wolves.

[Firebat]

That is always a big risk with strikers trying to help in own box. The funny thing is both penalties were caused by the new signings. So if you take out the penalties, Leeds are actually the winners

I take your point, but in this case, even my grandmother would know not to needlessly dangle a leg in your penalty box in the 86th minute

Hopefully he's more influential at the other end this season, he's a quality striker by all accounts.

[KingKhanWC]

I reckon they'll be the new wolves.

Wolves have far more quality players. Sheffiled Utd are far more organised, they were last season.

It was a very good game to watch, Leeds came out with a passion, aggressive and highly motivated to be back in the Prem, against the Champions. Anything less would have been dissapointing after 16 years out.

Leeds have a similar style of play to Liverpool which nearly paid off with a draw. We made a couple of silly errors at the back which gave Leeds the goals, on another day it could have been 5-1 to LFC. However huge credit for the movement from the midfield to the wingers, forward men, it was fast neat passing with a great intent.

A great addition to the Premier League and I hope Leeds stay up.

I think Leeds will prob finish between 10-15, cant see them doing a Wolves or Sheff but also cant see them being relegated as there are 4/5 teams which will also struggle.

Its a shame there are no fans for Leeds home match, Elland Road is diffic ult to visit with fans in voice and a smallish stadium. The lack of fans will take away a lot of home advantage for Leeds but they need to win most of their home games as away will be tough, not all teams will go for a straight shootout as LFC did.

[Firebat]

Diego Llorente: Leeds in talks to sign central defender from Real Sociedad

Leeds are in advanced talks to sign central defender Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad.

It is understood a deal is close for the Spain international, with Leeds keen to bolster their backline.

The Elland Road side missed out on a permanent deal for last season's loanee Ben White, who signed a new contract at Brighton after Leeds had three bids rejected by the Seagulls.

However, they did secure the signing of centre-back Robin Koch from SC Freiburg on a four-year deal last month.

Llorente started his career at Real Madrid and joined Sociedad in 2017 after loan spells at Rayo Vallecano and Malaga.

The 27-year-old made his debut for Spain in 2016 and has featured five times for his country.

If the deal goes through, Llorente would join up with compatriot Rodrigo, who moved to Leeds from Valencia for £27m in August.

He made 30 appearances for Sociedad last season as they finished sixth in La Liga.

https://www.skysports.com/football/n...-real-sociedad

[IAJ]

Nice.

Really wanted Rodrigo De Paul as well. Hope we still can get him.

[MenInG]

Leeds have reached an agreement in principle with Real Sociedad over the signing of central defender Diego Llorente.

[Firebat]

Leeds United sign Spanish defender Diego Llorente from Real Sociedad

Leeds United have signed Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £18m.

The Spain international will provide competition for current centre-back pairing Robin Koch and Liam Cooper.

Former Real Madrid player Llorente, 27, can also play in midfield.

He is the newly-promoted side's fourth major signing of the summer following their Championship title win last season.

Leeds have spent significant money, including a club record £26m for Valencia forward Rodrigo, £13m on Freiburg defender Koch, and £16m on ex-Wolves winger Helder Costa.

"It was a difficult decision for me and my family [to leave Sociedad] but I have taken the best decision of my football career," Llorente told BBC Radio Leeds.

"The coach [Marcelo Bielsa] has been an important factor. I can improve under him and it will be an honour to learn from him.

"I spoke with Pablo [Hernandez] a few days ago. He told me about the city and the team, and I have also played with Rodrigo in the national team."

Marcelo Bielsa's side have conceded seven goals in their first two Premier League games, losing 4-3 to Liverpool on the opening weekend and beating Fulham by the same score on Saturday.

Llorente, who will wear the number 14 shirt, has won five international caps for Spain.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54272055

[MenInG]

Dramatic win for Leeds

[James]

LUFC are here to stay.

[IAJ]

Finally Rodrigo showed some of his skills. Was strange to take him out and in with Alioski. But happy with 3 strong points. Next match Llorente should be ready v Man City.

[IAJ]

Senes like the Rodrigo De Paul bid has failed.

But I would be very pleased if we can get Michael Cuisance from Bayern and Todd Cantwell on board.

[KingKhanWC]

Wow drew 1-1 with Man City.

Who watched the match? Were City poor or Leeds very good?

[Manager102]

Wow drew 1-1 with Man City.

Who watched the match? Were City poor or Leeds very good?

Bit of both, City started off very strong but faded and Leeds stepped it up in the second half - the latter had a couple of good chances to go ahead as well

[IAJ]

Wow drew 1-1 with Man City.

Who watched the match? Were City poor or Leeds very good?

I watched every second of the match. City were on top the first 20 minutes. Leeds looked a bit nervous. But then game back stronger and the match was a bit like Leeds v Liv, both teams kept attacking and when Poveda and Rodrigo came in the momentum changed and Leeds had many big chances. The last 10 minutes City pushed for victory but in the end a draw was a fair result which also was said by Pep.

Poveda can be the big surprise this season, real pace and technique. The style of fotball I played myself and enjoy to watch.

Leeds just need two more international signings and after already played well with the best two teams from last season I am confidient we will stay here. The fitness level is impressive. That is Bielsa fotball.

[James]

It was a great game to watch and in the end a fair result, but Leeds had 1 or 2 really good chances to nick it.

Leeds are a decent side, they look entirely at home in the Premier League and not out of their depth at all. Have competed strongly with Liverpool and Man City and won their other games.

[Donal Cozzie]

Its such a privilege to follow Leeds at the moment (boy did I never think I could say that the last fifteen years).

A wonderful human being as manager, a talented hungry likeable squad, great ownership and leadership off the field, and fearless, breathtaking football on it.

Gonna savour this while it lasts. These times dont come around very often.

[IAJ]

Raphinha deal is done! Another great addition. Now he has two full weeks to just get used to the conditions and know the city!

[MenInG]

Leeds United and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a shoulder injury.

Phillips, 24, suffered the injury in Leeds' 1-0 Premier League home defeat by Wolves on Monday.

The Elland Road club said he does not need surgery but faces a spell on the sidelines.

Phillips helped Leeds to promotion from the Championship last season and has broken into the England team this year, winning four caps.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds side are 10th in the Premier League with seven points from their opening five matches.

A club statement on Tuesday said: "Kalvin began his rehab at Thorp Arch this morning and will be working hard with the medical team to return to action as soon as possible."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54621523

[KingKhanWC]

Aston Villa V Leeds Utd 8.00pm UK time.

This should be an eternatining game. Can Leeds stop Villa's 100% opening run?

I hope they do, the Villa fans need to come back down to earth. Some are acting like Villa have won the league already.
@James @Donal Cozzie @IAJ predictions?

[James]

Score draw for me.

[KingKhanWC]

Any result is possible here but I'd be shocked if we dont see at least 2 goals in the second half. Keepers will need their gloves to be on fire.

Leeds look the better team but Villa also look dangerous on their rare attacks.

[KingKhanWC]

Top class break by Leeds, take the lead with Bamford.

Leeds remind me so much of Liverpool.

[KingKhanWC]

Villa 0-2 -Leeds

Bamford scores, deflection not how good the commies made it but Leeds deserved it, dominating here.

Game over for me.

[James]

Wow, what a night for Leeds!

3-0 up and going 3rd in the Premier League.

Stuff of dreams.

[KingKhanWC]

Fully deserved, the match wasnt even close.

The Leeds manager is nothing short of genius, his tactics were perfect.

[IAJ]

Impressive, impressive without KP and Llorente. The amazing thing, was they kept attacking, even in 96th minute 7 persons were runnning, just loved it and need to enjoy this.

[Donal Cozzie]

Impressive, impressive without KP and Llorente. The amazing thing, was they kept attacking, even in 96th minute 7 persons were runnning, just loved it and need to enjoy this.

Yup. Exactly. Bielsa, Radz, Orta, the whole squad, I lvoe all of them. I never thought these days possible after so much misery. We're breathless, fearless, exhilirating, wild, unstoppable on our best.

Its all so magnificent with a management team, owner, background staff and squad of level headed, honest, down to earth men who represent everything you'd want a club to be.

I'm going to savour every single second of this season while it lasts. The dark dark days of Hereford and Histon things like never seemed achievable. Literally living the dream (again)

[Donal Cozzie]

And what an unreal signing Koch has been so far. Looked ace in every game, even the ones where we conceded. Bargain at 12m.

[IAJ]

And what an unreal signing Koch has been so far. Looked ace in every game, even the ones where we conceded. Bargain at 12m.

Totally agree and if he keeps playing like this I am sure he will be in the starting eleven for Germany in future and that is some achievement.

Rodrigo has also been good. You can easily see that he belongs to the top level and Spain should also play him in the same role as he is doing for Leeds, just behind the striker. The matches I have seen him play for Spain is that he has played as a pure striker and he sorts of disappears and can't use his amazing pace and technique there.

The competition is very tough for places and how will Raphina get in when Costa is in good nick, Harrison is amazing and the young Poveda has shown potential.

Just need another no. 10. What about Todd Cantwell, could he be the right guy in January?

[Donal Cozzie]

Totally agree and if he keeps playing like this I am sure he will be in the starting eleven for Germany in future and that is some achievement.

Rodrigo has also been good. You can easily see that he belongs to the top level and Spain should also play him in the same role as he is doing for Leeds, just behind the striker. The matches I have seen him play for Spain is that he has played as a pure striker and he sorts of disappears and can't use his amazing pace and technique there.

The competition is very tough for places and how will Raphina get in when Costa is in good nick, Harrison is amazing and the young Poveda has shown potential.

Just need another no. 10. What about Todd Cantwell, could he be the right guy in January?

Personally feel Cantwell is very overrated.

What this window has shown is that it makes absolutely zero sense to shop domestically unless you have serious bank. Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, not a minute of top flight football between them, setting back nearly seventy million quid while you can buy half an eleven of proven champions league level players if you scout the continent correctly is a no brainer decision.

Bielsa is a massive fan of Ryan Kent at Rangers wouldn't surprise me if we went there again at some point, but I think we'll have a quiet January. The only real position we're light in is CDM but even then, we didnt miss Philips last week and Struijk is pretty solid cover.

I personally think Raphinha does replace Costa eventually, which is a luttle harsh as Costa is decent but Raphinha just looks different gravy already. See that peach of a through ball the last day? Glorious.

[IAJ]

Deserved 3 points tonight. Really frustrating.

[Saj]

Struggling of late.

Are teams working them out?

[James]

We certainly got outplayed last night by West Ham, and got absolutely killed on set pieces. Helder Costa had a total mare. Probably our worst game of the season so far.

Usually even the disappointing results have come off the back off skilful, gutsy and spirited performances. But here, the second half was a painful watch, at least for those like me who are very fond of Leeds. It could have easily been 4-1 or 5-1; Meslier pulled off a couple of phenomenal saves.

14 points is a solid start to the season and there is still a significant gap between Leeds and the relegation zone. They just need to turn around this rather poor run of form and get a couple of wins under their belt. Newcastle at home on Wednesday night presents a great chance to get back in business.

[IAJ]

Well the biggest issue is that almost 80% of our starting eleven consist of Championship players and you clearly see the difference in class. Alongside Koch,Llorente, Rodrigo, Raphinha, KP we need another 2-3 players who have experience at this level. They have to buy 2 more players in January.

Cooper is just not good enough at this level and we don’t win a single duel in air. A corner against is almost a goal for the opposition. When Costa gave away that free kick yesterday I already knew Hammers will punish us and they did.

Unlucky with both Koch and Llorente out and Bielsa made a big mistake hurrying Llorente back when he himself said he needs to play with u23s to gain match fitness and come slowly back to the first team.

[IAJ]

Becoming more and more like Pakistan in cricket; you don't know which side will turn up on the match day

Leeds were simply outstanding yesterday, very unlucky not to have 3 goals in first half, but things sorted out well in second. And the screamer from Harrison was icing on the cake.

Hopefully we continue like this against the devils.

[James]

Just what we needed:

A big stonking win!

Season now back on track.

[Saj]

Getting hammered by Man Utd 4-0 at the moment.

Defensively Leeds are all over the place.

They are great to watch and will score goals in the Premier League but they aren't going to outscore too many teams, with comedy defending.

[IAJ]

Two early goals ruined the match. It was a big defeat, but I am not worried. We were without Koch and Llorente so it wa almost a Championship side which played against a top team.

And speaking about big defeats, Palace, Liverpool, ManU and City have also suffered them this season, so kind of good to get this out of way now

[KingKhanWC]

Two early goals ruined the match. It was a big defeat, but I am not worried. We were without Koch and Llorente so it wa almost a Championship side which played against a top team.

And speaking about big defeats, Palace, Liverpool, ManU and City have also suffered them this season, so kind of good to get this out of way now

It can happen in football, the opposition get a couple of early goals and the game opens up.

Leeds need to continue this style of play, next season get in a couple of fast defenders and I have no doubt they can challenge for a European place.

[Saj]

If I was a Leeds fan I'd be a bit worried.

They probably won't go down but they are slipping into the wrong end of the table.

The Premier League is an unforgiving league and it's difficult to get out of a bad run once it has started.

[Firebat]

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa says questions about his team's style are 'destabilising'

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa says some sections of the media are trying to "destabilise" his players by asking them if he should change their style.

Bielsa's attacking tactics were questioned by some onlookers - although praised by others - after a 6-2 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.

The Argentine insists he does not value style over substance, saying any such perception is wrong.

"It's just another way to try to ridicule me," he said.

Bielsa arrived at his news conference before Sunday's game against Burnley with a dossier and spent more than 40 minutes analysing his team's loss at Old Trafford in answering questions about their style.

"I don't worry too much about what the press think," Bielsa said.

"What does worry me is what is written influences the public; they decrease the capacity to understand for the public.

"Also, they try to destabilise by suggesting to the players the style needs to be changed.

"Of course, this happens when the results allow. It doesn't matter if in the previous game, the opinion was completely different."

Bielsa, 65, has transformed Leeds since taking over in June 2018, leading the Yorkshire club back into the Premier League last season after a 16-year absence.

The Whites have proved an entertaining addition to the English top-flight this season, having stuck to their high-tempo attacking principles and being involved in several high-scoring matches.

Four days after beating Newcastle 5-2 at Elland Road, Bielsa's side lost heavily against their old rivals at Old Trafford.

Leeds are 14th in the Premier League, having taken 17 points from their opening 14 games.

"The best way to win is to play well. So nobody can say I put style over results," said Bielsa.

"Normally, when there is adversity, what the press do is try to weaken the one who is facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55439558

[James]

A big win for Leeds today. A fantastic win. A mature win.

Leeds, for once, defended heroically. A deserved clean sheet.

Kalvin Phillips the best player on either side (again!)

[Donal Cozzie]

A big win for Leeds today. A fantastic win. A mature win.

Leeds, for once, defended heroically. A deserved clean sheet.

Kalvin Phillips the best player on either side (again!)

Yup. Felt Ayling had a great performance too after a bit of a struggle in a position he's not used too. Adding Kalvin into a back three meant we were weaker midfield but far improved defensively.

Honestly this is a fantastic start. 20 points from 15 is great going and is the most of any promoted side after this many games since Reading in 2006, who went on to finish 8th iirc.

We're well on course for a comfortable 12th-10th finish which is fantastic for a first year back and considering the squad.

There will be bad days of course but many good also, and we have genuine exciting football every week to look forward to, far prefer that to watching Newcastle lump it long week in week out (I reckon they may go down yet, torrid fixtures coming and by far the worst side we've played this year).

Need Koch/Llorente/Cooper fit asap though, thats a real weakness, and Klich has looked very poor last few games, need competition in the midfield role as well. Maybe not in January but certainly in the summer.

[The Viper]

4-0 up away to West Brom and it is not even half time yet!

[IAJ]

Emphatic win against WBA. 3 of the 5 goals were absolutely wonderful, especially the Raphinha stunner. 6 vital points picked up within 3 days. Next game v Spurs will be very tough but the lads will be full of confidience.

[James]

Another stunning win.

As well as the season is going, I still haven't moved past the "40 point threshold" to avoid relegation lol.

23 points on the board....17 to go!

[Donal Cozzie]

Another stunning win.

As well as the season is going, I still haven't moved past the "40 point threshold" to avoid relegation lol.

23 points on the board....17 to go!

And the last time 40 was needed for survival was 2009 iirc.

We're ahead of where SU were this time last season. Honestly its phenomenal atm.

Feel Spurs will play into our hands a lot more than Man Urd will. We'll still need a great showing to take anything but, unlike City, Liverpool, Chelsea etc, Spurs will probably be happy to let us have the ball and try counter, which suits us a bit more.

[The Viper]

Karen Carney: Ex-England international deletes Twitter account after online abuse

Karen Carney has deleted her Twitter account three days after a tweet by Leeds United questioning her comments as a pundit led to online abuse.

Leeds' owner defended Tuesday's message but the club condemned the abuse aimed at the former England international.

Carney said Leeds "out-run" opponents and an enforced rest during the Covid-19 pandemic aided their Championship promotion push last season.

The Women in Football group said Leeds' tweet was "inappropriate".

The video of Carney's comments shared in the tweet, which remains on Leeds' account, has been viewed 5.8m times.

Carney, who won 144 England caps, made her comments during Tuesday's Amazon Prime broadcast of Leeds' 5-0 win over West Brom in the Premier League.

Football in the UK was on hold between March and June because of the coronavirus pandemic and Carney, 33, said of Leeds: "They out-run everyone and credit to them. My only concern would be will they blow up at the end of the season?

"We saw that the last couple of seasons. I actually think they got promoted because of Covid in terms of it gave them a bit of respite. I don't know if they would have got up if they didn't have that break."

Leeds won the Championship by 10 points in 2019-20. They won seven and drew one of their nine Championship matches when football resumed in June following the initial Covid-19 lockdown. They had won six and drawn one of their nine fixtures before the lockdown.

United's tweet sharing footage of Carney's comments tagged the account of Amazon Prime, for whom she works as a pundit.

United's owner Andrea Radrizzani, replying to a tweet which said Leeds should be "ashamed" of their actions, wrote: "I take the responsibility of the club tweet.

"I consider that comment [from Carney] completely unnecessary and disrespectful to our club and particularly to the fantastic hard work of our players and coaches."

The Premier League club later said: "Everyone at our club respects Karen greatly for all she has achieved in the game, as well as her work in the media and the charity work she undertakes."

Former Leeds and England defender Rio Ferdinand was among those who called on the club to delete the post, which has been retweeted 11,500 times.

Others in the media said the tweet was inflammatory and would invite criticism of former Birmingham, Arsenal and Chelsea winger Carney on social media.

Tennis commentator David Law tweeted: "Did you really need to tweet something like this and invite a pile-on?"

French journalist Philippe Auclair wrote: "To publish such a tweet on an official club account was already questionable, to say the least. To keep it there when its target is receiving abuse which was prompted by your tweet is simply wrong."

*And USA international Megan Rapinoe said: "Shame. Shame. Shame. Thicken up that skin y'all. Also, don't come for Karen Carney she's a National treasure."

The Women in Football group tweeted: "Whether you agree with the comment or not, singling out and ridiculing an individual on an official club account is not what we're here for. Karen Carney is a well-informed pundit. This tweet is inciteful and inappropriate. Not a good look now, or at any time."

Brighton defender Ben White - an ever-present on loan at Leeds last season - shared footage of Carney's comments along with 'laughing' emojis.

Leeds' win over West Brom lifted them to 11th in the Premier League with 23 points from 16 games.

Only six newly-promoted teams in Premier League history have picked up more victories than Leeds' seven at this stage of a campaign.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55485336

[IAJ]

Heavy defeat today. We were actually playing well till that penalty and after that Spurs dominated the match completley. Kane-Son duo is insane.

[TAK]

Approaching the half way point of the season and although we look comfortable mid-tablers, I doubt Mr. Bielsa will allow any complacency to creep in.

The jungle drums are saying it’ll be a quiet January window, but given that we were at the medical stage with Cuissance in the summer, methinks funds are there for improvements should an opportunity present itself.

Surely Kiko Castilla will be on his bike in this window, Tyler Roberts was rather mysteriously “unavailable” yesterday, so possibly outgoings too...

[Saj]

That's more like it from Leeds.

Very impressive 3 1 away win at Leicester.

Brilliant on the counter-attack once again.

[James]

29 points now.
Close to the top half of the table.