A flying start to the new season saw Leeds United demolish opponents as they marched their way to the top of the table. Flawless attacking link-up play backed by a rock-solid defence that kept four back to back clean sheets had everyone praising Leeds United’s start.
Thomas Christiansen, who replaced the popular Garry Monk, as the manager of the club was welcomed with a touch of skepticism, largely because he had not managed in such an intense league before and partially because the club fans still wanted Monk to continue. However, the Spaniard won over all critics and fans with his sides’ new philosophy of football.
Things rarely go smoothly forever, especially if you are a manager in the Championship or Premier League. Christiansen saw his side lose form drastically and crash to three consecutive defeats. Such disastrous drop in form shocked everyone who thought Leeds United would make a charge for the title this season.
The situation at Elland Road has grown gloomy and criticism and suggestions have started flying into the manager and the board’s office via the armchair critics on social media. New signings are being suggested and players are being asked to be replaced.
The situation from outside, no matter how tough it looks, is definitely ten times worse inside. For the part of the manager, he is not simply playing play station players who he can throw away and replace with new players come the New Year.
For starters, the January transfer window is far away and if Leeds do not hit damage control now, the season can go to waste. The situation can only be fixed from the inside and by using the players they have now. It has been suggested that they will need new goalkeepers and new midfield spine so that the attackers can be freed from defensive duty and can focus on scoring goals. However, exactly what can Leeds do till these “new signings” come in has been conveniently ignored.
Leeds United have a large enough squad to deal with injuries and suspensions. It is a matter of buying into the coach’s philosophy for not only the starting eleven but the entire squad. Titles are never won by eleven players. It needs an entire team to work together collectively towards one common goal and play for the betterment of the team. Motivating the current core of players will definitely do a better job solving the current predicament than the solution of “buy players three months from now’.
This does not imply that they simply will not need any new signing. When January comes, the board and the manager must sit together and assess the then situation calmly and make their transfer list. Until then Christiansen will have to look for answers within.
