Leeds United have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions, and after an unfruitful transfer window, the manager and the fans should be concerned. The loss against Norwich City showcased certain flaws in the side. Marcelo Bielsa once again tried to shield the players, and the gaffer took the blame for the loss himself. But the club supporters must be a worried lot now that they are just three points clear of the playoff spot.
One of the significant problems which the team is facing is not being clinical enough in the final third. Leeds United have to create a lot of chances to get on the score sheet. The team is enjoying plenty of possession and is playing with a lot of intensity. However, the composure in the final third is lacking.
The second half against Norwich showcased this problem perfectly as United tried to make things happen and were looking for quick transition on the ball. However, they often played like they were trailing by four goals and committed a lot of ‘harakiri’. On the other hand, Norwich were composed in possession and were finding the right pass as United tried to press them.
Either the players aren’t good enough to play at such a pace, or the manager needs to ask them to take their time in the final third when they have the possession. United depend heavily on Pablo Hernandez to create that telling moment in the attacking half of the pitch. Once he started having an off day, the Whites never threatened the opposition goalkeeper much.
Being aggressive and playing with intensity is often important but not at the cost of sacrificing composure. Barry Douglas was another one of those players who performed poorly as he gave away needless fouls when Norwich had the ball, and the Canaries were able to control the tempo of the game. Luke Ayling has struggled ever since he returned from his injury, and we wouldn’t be wrong in suggesting that maybe Jamie Shackleton deserves a start ahead of him.
It is clear that Bielsa wants to play out from the back and his whole footballing philosophy depends on that. However, he needs to give his defenders some breathing space as they often get themselves into trouble when they overtly try to pass out from the back. Teemu Pukki, Onel Hernandez, Stiepermann and Mario Vrancic pressed the United backline, and they weren’t able to play out efficiently from the back.
Bielsa has very limited options at his disposal and there doesn’t seem to be a plan B when things don’t go his way. The player would hopefully improve from their slump of form and start delivering results before United end up in a scamper for the playoff spots.
