Leeds must rebuild home before setting European sights
ELLAND ROAD and Old Trafford – two citadels where back in the day visiting sides received little more than their ‘ bus fare home.’
That both Leeds United and Manchester United are among the most charitable venues for away teams in 2020- 21 would not go down too well with the likes of the late Norman Hunter or Bill Foulkes – two granite- hard defenders of their time.
Another player recently departed who knew a fair bit about stopping opponents in Nobby Stiles would not have reckoned much to that fact either.
There are lies, damned lies and statistics. Manchester United have conceded 10 goals already on home soil in four Premier League matches this term. It is the worst record in the division.
Just behind them are Leeds, who have let in nine in alongside Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
To provide some sort of context, Marcelo Bielsa’s side let in 14 goals in 23 Championship home games in 2019- 20 – keeping 13 clean sheets along the way.
It was the best record in the second tier and a performance bettered only by Manchester City in the top two divisions.
Bielsa’s side were renowned not just for their exhilarating offensive football, but also their stinginess at the back.
Granted, the Premier League was always going to be a majorleague step up for Leeds. But on the evidence of Monday night’s 4- 1 loss to a Leicester City side who carved the hosts open far too easily in the first half, there were grounds for concern.
The availability of Diego Llorente to push Robin Koch and Liam Cooper looks like it cannot come fast enough, with the Spanish international – sidelined with a groin issue – yet to make his debut after his £ 18m move from Real Sociedad.
The return to action of Kalvin Phillips following a shoulder problem to help police and screen the defence will also be timely after the international break.
Much has been made of Leeds’ encouraging return to the big time. A ‘ breath of fresh air’ is a common and justified refrain.
Just this week, owner Andrea Radrizzani, in an interview with beIN SPORTS, stated that his dream is to take the club into Europe one day. His caveat that Leeds must take ‘ one step at a time’ is just as important.
He continued: “I think we need to focus for the next couple of years to stay in the Premier League.
“We all know this club is massive; this brand is well known everywhere, so if we stay in the Premier League with the opportunity that this club can build – really, we can aim to stay just next to the top six ( in future).”
All well and good. But first things first.
A first clean sheet at home in 2020- 21 might just be a significant moment in the short- term.