I think we speak for Leeds United fans across the globe when
we say that the monstrosity of Saturday lunchtime was one of the most
embarrassing moments in our history. Losing 6-0 to anybody is embarrassing
enough, but a thrashing from a local rival leaves an exceptionally bitter taste
in the mouth. The manner of the capitulation, a spineless performance devoid of
talent from start to finish, is a serious cause for concern. However painful it
may be to do so, we at @LUFC_Calypso try to dissect the weekend’s car-crash
performance at Hillsborough, looking at why it was such a horrific display and
what can be done to fix it. For those after another one of our optimistic,
upbeat articles, it’s time to look away. This could get ugly.
As much as we’ve supported his appointment and decision
making without fail since his appointment, Brian McDermott got this one wrong.
The formation chosen simply didn’t make sense never mind suit our fairly
inflexible squad. With the arrival of 2 flying wingers, it seems completely
illogical to leave our target man in Matt Smith on the bench. Bringing him on
at HT (albeit for 47 seconds) is fine but this was a game in which we had a
chance to make a statement and banish our away-day demons. Unfortunately, Brian
did just the opposite. Furthermore, despite Rodolph Austin role as Leeds United
captain this season, it has become blatantly obvious that he’s drained of
energy, so playing him for another 90 minutes was clueless. He needs a break to
get himself back to his best, and not just physically.
This brings us on to our secondary criticism. The
overwhelming sense of pride that should come from pulling on the white, or in
this case gold, shirt is simply non-existent within almost all of the players.
Only a select few of those picked for big games this season have demonstrated a
determination, integrity and passion that are required to grind out difficult
results. Twitter apologies appease the less ardent among us, and in a way that
is nice to see, but one thing is for sure: those apologies will mean nothing
unless notable changes are made on the pitch. Zaliukas was systematically
humiliated by the up-and-coming starlets of the division; one struggles to imagine
the level of humiliation had a team of more accomplished attacking players been
unleashed upon him and some of his flagging colleagues. If Caolan Lavery, a
striker with 3 professional goals to his name before this weekend, can
embarrass our defence in such a manner, what lays in store for us against
opposition with Premier League pedigree in their front line? A change is
needed. Fast.
With the exception of Jason Pearce and Ross McCormack, most
of the players seem to have lost a sense of perspective. Through the removal of
former player and utter buffoon Ryan Hall, McDermott sent the message that if
their attitude does not match that of the club, their future will be put in
jeopardy. A team meeting was held on Sunday to give the players a sincere and
vigorous rebuking (we hope), and we feel that McDermott has gone about this
shambolic result in the right way. The Leicester game will be absolutely
crucial for him and the players. Although the result is obviously important, I
think that the performance is of far greater significance; if a further annihilation
takes place at Elland Rd on Saturday, I feel that things will become very dark
indeed for Leeds fans.
What are your opinions on the Sheffield game? Do you believe
McDermott is to blame? How do you feel we need to change? As always, tweet us
at @LUFC_Calypso to let us know your thoughts!
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