Også YEP, ved Graham Smyth, hadde i dag en Q&A-session.
Er innom de fleste emner...
Jean-Kevin Augustin's injury, Gaetano Berardi's future, Marcelo Bielsa's plans and financial fair play are some of the topics tackled. Leeds United Q and A: Jean-Kevin Augustin update, coronavirus, loans, FFP, Marcelo Bielsa's plans, Berardi future, Whites response to crisis
Saturday is no longer matchday but you can still join YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth as he answers your questions on all things Leeds United.
By Graham Smyth Saturday, 21st March 2020, 1:44 pm Top three Leeds players this season? (@StyleLUFC)
Tough one. Ben White has been a revelation, for one so young and a Championship rookie. His consistency has impressed me along with his reading of the game. Luke Ayling has been a man on a mission since he returned from surgery and shown real leadership, not only with his goals but his barracking of others to keep standards up. And while Stuart Dallas was superb at right-back, excellent at left-back and did a job in central midfield, I think Jack Harrison just edges the Ulsterman to the third spot. So White, Ayling and Harrison with honourable mentions for Dallas and Phillips. And the rest.
Favourite moment following Leeds so far? And favourite current Leeds player? (James Campbell)
The Birmingham City game, a 5-4 win, was a standout in terms of sheer entertainment. As a journalist I did actually quite enjoy those spiky, tense press conferences during the team's blip in form. But there was something about Pablo Hernandez' goal at Bristol City on the opening day that made me realise I wasn't in Chesterfield any more. As for a favourite player, contrary to Joe Urquhart's accusations, I don't have a favourite. There are players I enjoy watching of course. Harrison's first touch is a joy to watch. Klich in perpetual motion is fascinating and he's terrific to interview as well. Leeds are blessed with several great talkers.
Has Leeds United been what you expected it to be like since you took the job of covering them? What do you think of the club, fans, stadium etc? (Oliver Medd)
I don't think anything could really have prepared me. I'm well used to covering clubs where things happen. But as Don Warters told me and as he was told when he took this job decades ago: "If something can happen it will happen to Leeds United." Adjusting to the pace of a daily newspaper is a challenge but so to is adjusting to the size and scale of Leeds United, its fanbase and their expectations. It's been fun. The atmosphere on matchdays is obviously fantastic and reporting on football amid that emotion is exactly why anyone would want to do this job.
What’s the situation with the loan players should the season extend into June/July? (Mark Reid)
Fluid. Everything, at present, is fluid. The loan situation is one of many challenges for the game's authorities to sort if we extend beyond the usual calendar, which is now a certainty. I expect the FA are looking long and hard at the legalities of player contracts and loan deals. It could lead to some huge complications for clubs but most are in the same boat. I can't see Manchester City making life difficult for Leeds, not when there's a permanent deal likely to happen in that particular instance. The FA may consider putting something in place that prevents recalls until the competitions are completed, so clubs don't attempt to strengthen their squads or negotiating power by taking their players back.
Are we in talks with Berardi over a new deal? Definitely feels like he deserves it with performances this season. Second question is if Brighton are relegated and Leeds promoted would we sign Ben White? (@Lufcluca_)
I've heard nothing to suggest that talks have been opened with Gaetano Berardi. Angus Kinnear suggested not so long ago that they had completed their contract renewal programme. If you listen to Marcelo Bielsa it's obvious how highly he rates Berardi's contribution this season. He's played incredibly well despite going in and out of the team. Certainly did himself no harm against Arsenal either. He has a big case for a new deal. As for White, that's got to be a priority but Leeds wouldn't be the only club looking at the defender. There would be stiff competition and a big, big price on his head. What Leeds have in their favour is how at home he is in this squad, under Bielsa.
Graham, as a non-Leeds United fan, can you give us a run-down on what it's been like to report on the club this season? Oh, and just where do you rate the football you've seen the Whites play against other matches that you've reported on? (@365DaysofWhine)
Touched on this in an earlier question but it's been a whirlwind, from day one when Bailey Peacock-Farrell's move to Burnley began to happen. Something is always happening, which is handy during times when there are no games. Marcelo Bielsa is quite different to every other manager I've ever dealt with, so that has brought challenges. But the football has been a pleasure on so many occasions. Watching the little three-man moves and players dropping deep to create space for someone else, before turning and sprinting into another space themselves, the big switch to the left flank and White running the ball out never gets boring. I've been entertained by teams before (Worksop Town had a three-pronged strikeforce who scored circa 100 goals between them in one season) but not to this degree.
Do you think Bielsa will see the enforced break as an opportunity to restart/refresh and outwork teams like at the beginning of the season? (Dan_Lee85)
Bielsa's aim is always to outwork and outrun opponents and, as Adam Forshaw pointed out, Leeds are likely to work harder than anyone and be prepared to hit the ground running once training actually begins. But so much depends on when Bielsa can actually get his hands on the squad again, so to speak. Some sense of normality will have to be restored first and who knows how long teams will get in terms of a mini pre-season? But while the players are currently working from home, there is still a level of accountability and they're still enduring weigh ins.
You might have seen the managing rankings for who would win in a fight going around on twitter, could you do a set of rankings for the Leeds squad? (Joshua Kelham)
Gaetano Berardi the last man standing, without doubt. In the words of Liam Cooper: "I think you'd have to kill Berra to stop him." I suspect that while several of the Leeds squad might relish the chance to square off with Gjanni Alioksi, he'd be an unpredictable, wild fighter. Unorthodox to say the least. Kalvin Phillips is made of stern stuff. Patrick Bamford might only fight under strict Marquess of Queensberry rules but he's a strong lad, rangy too. Of the younger, smaller players, Jamie Shackleton would be your archetypal Mexican-style fighter. Non-stop action, a million punches thrown. Ben White would see your punches coming and intercept them, hitting you from long range and not breaking a sweat.
Out of all the youth prospects at Leeds, who are seen as the next stars with huge potential? Bogusz? Struijk? Casey? Kenneh? (@jrdeacon)
Good question. Bielsa obviously likes and trusts Struijk and Casey or else he wouldn't have used them. But he's fond of the likes of McAlmont too and has rued the lack of opportunity for those players. I liked the look of Bryce Hosannah against Sheffield Wednesday and from what I've been told, he's rated by the head coach and liked by the players. But there are youngsters in the first team squad who have real potential yet to be fully realised. Shackleton, Davis and Gotts all look very decent, but have had varying levels of frustration this season. There's always the question of whether or not they'd benefit from time out on loan and while I think they undoubtedly would, in the way it has aided Ben White's progression, I also understand why he keeps them in the 23s, learning his style.
Far from the biggest concern at the moment but how do you think what’s going on will affect any possible QSI deal? If the season gets finished and Leeds get promoted do you think it’s business as normal? (Footyins)
There was little likelihood of any deal happening before the season was done, so any interested parties will still be watching and waiting. Premier League football opens up a real possibility of investment but I wouldn't bet against Andrea Radrizzani staying around for a season to enjoy the fruits of his and the club's labours. I've had no suggestion that QSI have ever sat down with Angus Kinnear, but they've obviously got the financial power to sweep in and take the lot if they so desired and if AR was willing to sell. Don't forget the 49ers in all this though. They're still very much interested in their investment and how Leeds are developing. The summer was due to be interesting but of course it may now be that it's a long time before any ownership issues arise.
How have you found Bielsa’s methods compared to other previous managers you’ve reported on during your time? (@tommorley27)
His football is fascinating, as are his methods and his obsession with detail. In terms of dealing with him as a journalist, the lack of one-to-one interaction is unusual. At Chesterfield I would speak to Martin Allen several times a week, he would call me at 7am on Tuesdays on his way up to training to ask what I needed for the paper and then he'd duly fill the paper with stories and anecdotes. This is a very different scenario, with a very different manager. But it's the same for everyone. Bielsa's methods in the press room mean all journalists are working with the same canvas, the same quotes. It's rarely boring.
Hi Graham, when we do get back to reality, do you think the majority of this team can cope in Premier League? I’ve heard people say they need 7 or 8 new players. As we know that’s not Bielsa style, surely 4 at most? Goalkeeper, centre half, centre midfield and striker? (@kevinpower93)
Good question and one I hope doesn't remain hypothetical. I think, thanks to Bielsa, many of these players could play Premier League football. Harrison is headed that way, White and Phillips are destined for the top flight whether with Leeds or someone else. I think with clever recruitment, in the same way Chris Wilder and Paul Mitchell managed to strengthen Sheffield United, Leeds would be just fine. I couldn't see wholesale change, not only because Bielsa will want to work with players who know his style, but because the club aren't suddenly going to be able to make eight new multi-million pound signings.
What players (rumour or thoughts) will be targeted in the next transfer window if Leeds do secure PL football? (@flyhsuk)
No strong suggestions of names as yet but Victor Orta has a list, or several lists, you can be sure of that. There will be a list of players Bielsa might like for the Premier League and lists of players that other head coaches/managers might like. A prolific striker would be something the club will need, in my opinion. And a goalkeeper. I'd be surprised if they didn't make Meslier a permanent signing but he is, of course, still relatively untested. Certainly looks the part however and will be worth a lot more some day soon.
Where are Leeds looking to pick up young players for the academy. Is it predominantly local or are they looking further afield. I am curious as to why there seem to be no Irish kids on their books unlike the likes of Kelly, Harte, McPhail in the past. Obviously I'm aware of the superb Dallas and young MacAlmont but I'm not seeing any Irish kids coming through. Am I wrong? They've obviously invested a lot in domestic signings for the academy. Davis, Stevens, Edmondson and others were notable acquisitions from other academies. They've plucked a couple from Carlisle United. Victor Orta spoke a little about this when I interviewed him at the end of January, and I'll do a piece on that soon, saying they'd had to bring a lot of players in from abroad to form a 23s side. Now that he's established his scouting department they'll be aware of talent all over the place. As for the Irish question, it's a good question. One I can ask at a later date. There's only McCalmont I can think of. But they do appear keen to bring youngsters in from wherever they can, to polish and develop.
Is there any likelihood that we’ll ever see Milner in a Leeds shirt again? (laurencelufc)
From a purely hypothetical sense he is a player you could see being very attracted to an Elland Road move, if his time at Liverpool was coming to an end. A move that fans would love, a player who has a lot to contribute both on and off the field for a few years yet.
Just wondering when Bielsa’s contract runs out, would you imagine something would be sorted out with him when/if this season ever carries on? (@EthanOliver21)
He's out of contract in the summer but he doesn't strike me as a man who would walk away when he's come this far and invested this much in a team. He cares about this group of players and appears, to me, to love the club. He's made no complaints about the way he's been treated and how the club have supported his needs. I think, barring some extraordinary circumstances, he'll finish this season at the very least.
What is your earliest/strongest memory of Leeds? Would be interesting to know considering you were until 9 months ago not a Leeds fan. One of us now though Graham (@willjclayton)
A team photo of Leeds United, having won the First Division, with Gordon Strachan hunched in the front row. It was in Shoot magazine I think. Beyond that, the Battle of Britain. I was a Rangers fan and absolutely captivated by the concept of the two best teams in the UK going head to head. I remember the games pretty well too.
Aside from a bolt of lightning, is there any other way to generate 1.21 gigawatts of electricity? Asking for a friend having car trouble next week. (@antsd1970)
Great Scott. If you have access to 484 wind turbines you're in luck.
If you had to self-isolate with one current #lufc player who would it be and why? (@_SportsJourno__)
Klich sounds like he watches a fairly decent standard of tv show and could teach me at least one language. Luke Ayling is very funny but I'd quickly become very envious of his hair situation, leading to tension and potential disagreements.
Hi Graham, Bielsa often seems totally unphased by his surroundings for many of the goals Leeds score, calmly sitting on his bucket. Do you think we would see much of a reaction from him at the final whistle if Leeds gain promotion (like the video of him from Newell's)? I fear that it may be in an empty stadium. (@ConnorWilson44)
Whilst sporting integrity would maintained by finishing the season, if it's in an empty stadium it would be heartbreaking for all concerned. Let's hope the UK can slow down the spread of the virus and get back to some semblance of normality. As Phil Hay pointed out, Bielsa was getting more animated when Leeds scored, but as soon as that had been pointed out, the next goal brought a sip of his hot beverage and nothing more. He didn't look up even as Ayling slid on his knees to the front of the technical area to play air guitar. Leeds had just scored one of the best goals of the Bielsa era too. If he can keep calm amid that kind of celebration and joy, he'd beat us all at Poker. If Leeds clinch promotion I think he will shake the hand of his opposing manager and might indulge in some bear hugs with players and staff. I can't see him sitting atop the shoulders of players. But then they might take matters into their own hands...
If the season does get voided do you think Biesla will stay a third season to get the job done also what implications will ffp have will it be scrapped for a while. (@andywatersjn)
The game's authorities are going to have to take a long, hard look at FFP and how to best help clubs in unprecedented times. Another difficult one to predict, but while they still have to go after clubs who have breached up until this point, there may come a temporary relaxing of the rules, if it helps clubs get through this. There's a big loss of revenue to factor in for many right now with no matchdays and wages are still being paid. As for the season being voided, let's just hope and pray that is a bridge we never have to cross. I would have thought it unlikely that Bielsa would stay for another go at the Championship. But we are living in strange times.
What's the general feeling amongst the players about the current Coronavirus situation? (@McGeezer87)
If you go by social media, they look like they're doing what the rest of us are trying to do and cracking on with living in different and difficult times. There's still some wise cracking in the comments sections (Luke Ayling take a bow) and what I've liked most is their reaction to a crisis - donating to the foodbank. That shows they care and they think about how this is affecting others. It'd be easy to just retreat behind the door of a nice home and forget the world, they haven't done that. We're expecting to speak to a few players over the coming weeks and we'll get a better read on their mood. But it's obvious they're still working hard, just at home instead of at Thorp Arch. Jack Harrison's video was exhausting to watch.
Hi Graham, there is lots of talk about the fitness of the players and the extra time they spend at Thorp Arch under Bielsa. I just wondered how much training players actually do? A (non-matchday) day in the life of a footballer would be fascinating (@ChrisLUFC1981)
It varies depending on what the week looks like in terms of games. There are days when they have double sessions. Murderball, which ordinarily takes place on a Wednesday, appears to vary in duration depending on how much Bielsa feels they need it. What's really interesting is how Bielsa has adapted Thorp Arch so that players want to be there and foster a sense of community. The games room, the ability to have a sleep in between sessions. The more time they spend with each other, as long as they get on, the better.
lot of talk on how clubs will survive currently especially when Leeds relies on match day income. But how is sport journalism surviving when no matches are being played? (@barney___21)
Good question. Obviously there's a lot to talk about in terms of the effect on sport, clubs, the calendar and all the announcements and commitments from governing bodies. We'll see speak to players because they're going through this like we are and it'll be interesting to get their viewpoints. We are in a difficult time, it's something we've not had to face before but we're trying new things and we do, now, have time to spend on the archives. I've got a couple of longer features planned for the next week with stories I think are worth telling and the new My Leeds United series has got off to a great start. Our aim is to keep the conversation alive and stay a big part of the Leeds United community. Some matches would be just lovely. But we'll have to wait.
How is Jean-Kevin’s injury? Is he back in training yet? (@LUFCLouise)
Jean-Kevin Augustin is injury free. He's not match fit of course because he can't play any matches but he has recovered from the strain. We might yet see him this season.
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-q-and-jean-kevin-augustin-update-coronavirus-loans-ffp-marcelo-bielsas-plans-berardi-future-whites-response-crisis-2504503