The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 17th January) Leeds PSR position more comfortable than suggested
Good Morning. It's Friday 17th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds PSR position more comfortable than suggested
Despite last summer's clear-out aimed at staying well within the boundaries of Profit & Sustainability, Leeds continue to be linked with a host of new signings. The sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter generated well over £100m, surely erasing any immediate PSR concerns! However, the focus now shifts to the possibility of Premier League promotion. Would financial restrictions hamper their ability to strengthen? According to journalist Ben Jacobs, that's highly unlikely. Speaking on The View podcast, Jacobs stated...
I’m told that Leeds are more comfortable than suggested. One because of the number of outgoings from players who has release clause and two, the RedBull investment. Leeds don’t fear they will be financially restricted if they come up to the Premier League.
Abad leaps to Meslier's defence
Former Leeds goalkeeping coach Marcos Abad has leapt to the defence of Illan Meslier following calls for the Frenchman to be dropped, ahead of Sunday's crunch tie with Sheffield Wednesday. Abad, 39, spent six years at Thorp Arch (2017-2023), four of those working almost exclusively with the 24yo shot-stopper. Now at West Brom, Abad remains convinced that Meslier is the No1 keeper at Leeds, and praises Daniel Farke for sticking by him. With every performance now coming under the microscope, Abad suggests it may be the best for both parties if Meslier were to leave the club, and even suggests this should have happened two years ago when the Whites were relegated from the top flight.
“When you are watching the training with Illan, you don’t have any doubt he is the No 1, his potential is super. The team-mates know the level he put on the pitch.
In the last action of the last game (against Hull City), he tried to save the corner and put the ball in front of him and the deflection or the bounce gives an advantage to the attacker. If you make two or three (mistakes) in a row like this, everybody points at you, but when you know the level of the goalkeeper you have… it’s very difficult to make a change when you know this goalkeeper can save one ball that is impossible for the No 2.
The doubts about the goalkeeper are ridiculous because the level is so high. If he left the club two summers ago, I’m sure he would be playing in the Premier League in another team. This is the situation, but the pressure of Leeds now means every single detail that is not perfect is going to be pointed (out). My advice was maybe you had to leave, but he wanted to stay, to be promoted again with Leeds.
I understand (his decision), but, sometimes, as a goalkeeper, it’s important to know when you have to leave because, if not, it’s like every single action is going to be analysed very deeply. This is not healthy. This is not helpful. The support of the manager (though) is very good. (Farke is) doing amazing, supporting him and leaving everyone’s doubts and the gossip behind.