Ahead of The Lads playing host to Leeds United on Friday night, we sit down with the folks from the Leeds, That! podcast to get all the lowdown on our next opponents.
1879: Leeds Utd have had a somewhat mixed start to their second season back in the Championship, with four wins, two draws, and one defeat. Given the results, is the supporters’ expectation still to secure automatic promotion this season? Or do you think fans would be satisfied with another shot at the playoffs, despite last season’s heartbreaker at Wembley against Southampton?
LT: We definitely won’t be satisfied with playoffs that’s for sure. We’re wary of being expectant but it felt like we were in a good place to go up last season. I think we’ve had an underrated start to the season. We’ve got the lowest xG against us, we’re better off than we were at this point last season. We just need to be consistent.
F1879: Based on the current campaign and the last, would you say consistency is the main problem for Farke’s side overall and if so what do you think is behind it? Still a relatively young side?
LT: Yep again definitely need that to come through. They are young but there are some really good players there. Ramazani is hungry, as is Matteo Joseph. There’s a steel to those sorts of players that we hope will put us in a good place.
F1879: Looking at the data and from watching a few games it would seem Farke favours a possession-based approach. He recently said of his side that they: “Want to be flexible in how we build up from the back…to play forward and progress our game.” Do you think this style best complements his squad based on available personnel or do you see it differently?
LT: I think so. We are possession based but two of our goals at the weekend came from under 4 passes being strung together. It’s that adaptability that’s been needed for some time, not just trying to pass it back to front to then walk it in the net. Against a low block that just isn’t happening.
F1879: Leeds’ pressing game was fundamental to their identity under Bielsa. How well do you think the current group is in executing the press? And is any of the other aspects of the Bielsa identity still prevalent under Farke’s system? Or is there an entirely new game plan?
LT: New game plan really. The pressing is always timed right and not done all the time. Bamford is naturally brilliant at this, and Matteo Joseph coming in this season is doing a great job. There’s players there that are very good at this. Aaronson and Ramazani included.
F1879: How have Leeds adapted to life without Georginio Rutter? Have you noticed any specific changes to play since he departed?
LT: He was a quality individual and social media from an outside perspective will always show you the very best of him. But the constant thing last season was over running with the ball and not passing it sooner. It’s something we mentioned every week on the podcast last season. But he created so much, so he was forgiven. That said, I think we’ll get more balance there and be better attacking overall rather than having to rely on solo brilliance.
F1879: Interesting to note it is defender Pascal Struijk who leads his team mates in expected goals with an xG of 2.15. Can you tell us how that danger manifests itself in front of goal? Presumably set-pieces?
LT: He’s an absolute unit, pure athlete. He’s great at getting up for headers in the box and he’ll get one soon. He is our designated penalty taker too. No one knows why! haha
F1879: Joël Piroe has started the season well with three goals and an assist already to add to the 14 goals and three assists he bagged last season. He arrived at Elland Road after a £15m transfer from Swansea, with Farke once praising him by claiming, “he is the best finisher in this league and when it comes to finishing there is not one player better than him.” Would it be fair to say he wasn’t initially a fan favourite? If so, has that view now softened?
LT: I think he was put in front of the Leeds fans as a No 10, but as time has gone on he’s clearly not a traditional player for that position. But he is such a cool finisher and he just gets on with it. I think the Leeds fans are starting to know what he is and what he can deliver. He’s going to be so important for us this season – popping up with important goals here and there.
F1879: What formation/tactics do you think Farke will use against Sunderland this weekend?
LT: I think we’ll continue as we have been 4-2-3-1, but it is not as linear as that or rigid according to what’s happening in the game. Firpo for instance just goes where he wants – but it works! He’s had more assists than any other player in the world since the start of the year (this is not an accurate stat), but I think it’s the most for a left back.
F1879: Who do you think will be in the Leeds’ starting XI?
LT: Could be some changes based on injuries to Ampadu and a few others. Expecting it to be the same as the weekend but maybe a start for Ao Tanaka, who’s been doing well when coming on as a sub.
F1879: Who have been the standout players so far this season and other than Piroe which ones should Sunderland be most concerned about? Have any of the summer signings made a strong impression?
LT: Brenden Aaronson got a lot of stick from the fans for deserting us when we dropped out of the premier league. He’s come back and is determined to do well, and he has been doing just that. Long way to go but so far we’ve been really impressed with him. Gnonto too – he’s signed a new deal, got his head down and has been causing teams alot of problems.
F1879: Which Sunderland player do you think Leeds fans will be most concerned about going into Friday?
LT: Possibly Mundle. Bogle is great at attacking but there are still some question marks on his defending. It’ll be a good test for him.
F1879: Which Leeds player do you think Sunderland should be most worried about?
LT: Gnonto. He’s so hard to stop with his power and lower centre of gravity.
F1879: Where do you predict Sunderland and Leeds will finish in the league?
LT: Leeds 2nd. Sunderland 5th.
F1879: Given your sides’ recent 3-0 demolition of Coventry is there a renewed confidence ahead of the fixture on Friday night? What is your score prediction for the clash against the Black Cats?
LT: Possibly. I think we are all reminded it’s such a slog in the championship, a really long season. You’ll get some bad results here and there but overall you’ve just go to get some good performance and rack up an average of 2 points per game and then you’ll be very much in with a shot of promotion.
Thanks to Leeds, That! Listen to their podcast and follow them on X
