Many will still be questioning what went wrong for Leeds United following their failure to return to the Premier League.
When Daniel Farke was appointed at the start of the campaign, the brief was simple, he had to make an instant return to England’s top-tier.
Even though Leeds United recorded 90 points during the regular season, they only managed a play-off finish, as their poor start and faulty ending meant that Ipswich Town and Leicester City took the automatic spots.
That’s when the dreaded play-offs awaited the Yorkshire club and like they always do, Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the final on Sunday at Wembley.
To put it simply. The main players just didn’t turn up and it’s a right kick in the teeth for Daniel Farke because they failed in their biggest game of the season.
A lot of people, understandably so, start to question the team’s mindset, where was the fight? Where are the characters? And where are the leaders?
Neil Warnock put that question to Troy Deeney and he named two players who didn’t feature in the play-off final.
The former striker thinks Patrick Bamford, who was injured for the showpiece Wembley event, and experienced centre-back Liam Cooper, are the two and only leaders at the club, as he told Sky Sports Football (26/05/24 at 6:00 pm).
Cooper isn’t and was never going to be a starter for Leeds, but if Bamford had been fit, then there is every chance that he would have started.
Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper for Leeds United
“Who would you say are their leaders,” asked Warnock.
Deeney responded: “I would say the lads who aren’t playing. I would say, Pat Bamford. I would say Cooper and people of that ilk.”
Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper next season
Cooper’s contract expires next month and you have to question if Leeds will offer him a new deal. The answer is probably no and that’s the road they should go down.
But questions should also be asked of Bamford. His form hasn’t exactly been consistently strong, nor has he been available on all occasions.
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You feel who the club does or doesn’t let go in the summer is probably going to be more important than who comes in.
In some cases, such as Crysencio Summerville, they probably have no choice.
But sources have told HITC that Bayern Munich, who are set to appoint Vincent Kompany as their next manager, are targeting Archie Gray after their play-off final heartache.
The post ‘The lads who aren’t playing’: Troy Deeney thinks Leeds only have two leaders after play-off final loss appeared first on HITC.
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