[ad_pod ]
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
The new Championship season isn’t yet upon us but that hasn’t stopped Leeds supporters from taking a negative outlook on proceedings at Elland Road.
They’ve already complained about the lack of defensive cover whilst they also appear to be alarmed by how injuries could hinder the side in 2019/20.
It’s been somewhat of a roller-coaster pre-season for the Whites who have seen Pontus Jansson walk through the exit door whilst they’ve sold promising Jack Clarke, only for him to return on loan.
However, there is a deep underlying issue at Leeds that needs addressing if they’re to achieve promotion.
On the chalkboard
The fact of the matter is that Leeds simply don’t have enough in their squad at the moment, especially defensively.
Losing Jansson is sure to felt hard by the football club, who despite making hints that he was sold due to financial fair play, will struggle to replace someone who appeared 39 times in the second tier last campaign.
Liam Cooper and Jansson were both named in the PFA Team of the Year for last season but the former has started rather questionably alongside Gaetano Berardi in pre-season, conceding four goals against Manchester United in Australia.
However, what they’re in danger of doing, is not improving the mentality and experience in the squad.
Phil Hay has stated that Marcelo Bielsa is a big fan of Ben White, but he comes in with no expertise of the level he’s going to be required to play at.
And if he’s been brought in to replace Jansson, it’s a questionable decision.
The play-offs were decided by a number of rash decisions from Leeds defenders which just about sums up the animosity in the air surrounding the defence.
Cooper gave away a penalty whilst Berardi was also sent off. That’s not to mention the mistakes Kiko Casilla made, too.
However, with Hay explaining that he wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t bring in any new faces at centre half, it should be particularly alarming.
If they sign anyone else it’ll be a costly error of judgement and could well shape how well they compete this season.
On the face of it, Leeds could be staring at a repeat of how 2018/19 played out, something they simply cannot afford.