Leeds United

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  1. 🎧 My Mate's A Comedianpublished at 07:39 14 November 2024

    My Mate's A Footballer podcast image

    The final episode of My Mate's A Footballer series two has landed.

    The tables have been turned for this special one-off episode, as Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford interviews comedian Joe Wilkinson.

    Fellow comedians Ricky Gervais and Katherine Ryan also join the podcast to reveal all about the world of comedy and stand-up - from the best and worst parts of the job to what 'eating the floor' means.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  2. Bring on the dancing horses?published at 13:23 13 November 2024

    Adam Pope
    BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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    Daniel FarkeImage source, Getty Images

    Echo and the Bunnymen's lyrics "headless and all alone" will resonate with many a football supporter as they scream at their phone, laptop, TV or radio after a defeat or wretched performance.

    But the reaction of some Leeds United fans suggests the time for losing one's mind amid your own private hell is not the sole preserve of the vanquished.

    Boretress Elland Road is how one fan on BBC Radio Leeds' post-match Football Forum described the 2-0 victory over QPR on Saturday. On social media, Ben Brierley kind of agreed: "The football is boring but I want three points and to go up."

    Manager Daniel Farke's style has United sitting in third, just two points off the summit and with the best goal difference in the division. Clarence Beaks is, therefore, more benign than others: "Going gung-ho at teams is not the answer. With DF we dismantle teams methodically."

    But is it really time for Farke to bring on the dancing horses? The Big Top at Elland Road has seen enough one-trick ponies and clown-fest capitulations on and off the field to have supporters walking a verbal tightrope through the jibes of their rivals. Another circus is not welcome.

    Farke's show may not have the audience gasping for breath throughout, but there is more than enough in it to sense there will be a grand finale worth waiting around for. In between, let the ringmaster decide when to juggle and when to unleash the big cats.

    Maybe Melanie Firth on X has it about right: "Misery loves company. Maybe someone could write a song about that so we can all sing after another 'boring win'. Regardless of opinions on Farke and his football, he's delivering the results."

    At some point this season, the head will be in the lion's mouth and then the jeopardy not currently felt will reappear for those who crave it.

    Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

  3. 'Not the atmosphere that suggests everybody's been royally entertained'published at 15:51 12 November 2024

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    BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope says the atmosphere at Elland Road suggests not everyone is being "royally entertained".

    Daniel Farke's side beat QPR 2-0 on Saturday to move two points behind the Championship automatic promotion places in third but some fans were not enthralled by the hard-fought win.

    "The numbers [under Farke] stack up brilliantly," Pope told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

    "I'm one of these guys who can find beauty in a well constructed defence.

    "What baffles me is - obviously after a defeat everyone is like 'get him out' and stuff' - but even after a routine 2-0 win it seems like nobody has enjoyed anything.

    "You're thinking hang on, we're all saying [Ao] Tanaka is more attractive to watch, [Joe] Rothwell too, [Jaydon] Bogle has been great.

    "It's a clean sheet. I am scratching my head. But, there is not the atmosphere in the ground that suggests that everybody has been royally entertained."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  4. Elland Road atmosphere 'survives on anger five decades old'published at 12:37 12 November 2024

    Adonis Storr
    Fan writer

    Leeds United fan's voice banner
    Daniel Farke managing LeedsImage source, Getty Images

    For about 30 minutes of Leeds United's match against QPR on Saturday, despite leading by a goal and dominating the game, all you could hear were the away fans. "Where's your famous atmosphere?" rang out around the ground in thick cockney accents.

    It is a legitimate question not answered easily. Is it ticket prices, modern football, recent seasons at Leeds, something else or a combination of all these things?

    Early in the second half, a sustained chant of "we are the champions, champions of Europe" sparked the home fans back to life, but it was far from Beeston's boisterous best.

    This season marks the 50th anniversary when United reached the peak of club football on a balmy night in Paris 1975, where they met Bayern Munich for the European Cup.

    Leeds were denied a clear penalty when Franz Beckenbauer scythed down Alan Clarke without even a shoelace on the ball. And a legitimate United goal that was given was then overturned bizarrely after Beckenbauer's remonstrations.

    The anger of 1975 has smouldered on in the form of the "champions of Europe" chant. The high watermark of Leeds' rich history still haunts the club - a point from which the Peacocks have never returned and seems as far away as ever.

    The past few seasons have left their mark on the fanbase too.

    Marcelo Bielsa's bubble burst, and that pain was compounded by another relegation and play-off final loss. Even for the hard hearts of Leeds fans, this has been a run of diminishing returns.

    Daniel Farke's football has been criticised as "boring", but the defensive solidity of the German's style is key to his success. It is effective, if not always inspiring.

    Perhaps only promotion will reignite Elland Road to what it once was.

    Until then the atmosphere is still surviving on anger five decades old, echoes of a glittering past.

    Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

  5. 🎧 Boretress Elland Roadpublished at 14:00 11 November 2024

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    The latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.

    Why are some of the fanbase bored? Is winning enough, or is winning in style necessary?

    Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix discuss Leeds' 2-0 win over QPR at and ask why many left Elland Road feeling underwhelmed.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  6. 🎧 How to create the perfect set-piecepublished at 07:33 8 November 2024

    My Mates A Footballer podcast graphic

    The latest My Mate's A Footballer podcast has landed and in this week's show Patrick Bamford and Joe Wilkinson chat Tony Pulis and managers before getting sidetracked and taking a deep dive into the art of set-pieces.

    The pair also discuss Roy Keane, Steve McLaren and how many goals Bamford reckons he could score in Wilkinson's five-a-side team.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  7. Farke on QPR, Aaronson and 'sticking to what you believe in'published at 17:09 7 November 2024

    Adam Pope
    BBC Radio Leeds reporter

    Daniel Farke looks onImage source, PA Media

    Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Championship match against QPR at Elland Road (15:00 GMT).

    Here are some of his comments:

    • There are no fresh injury worries after Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Millwall: "It seems like most of the players came through the game without major injury. There are one or two knocks and some tired legs. We have to see how they recover over the next 48 hours to be ready again in order to make some late decisions if we have to change it or mix it up. It seems like all the players who were with us will be available."

    • How convinced is Farke that he sticks to his principles amidst criticism of being inflexible? The Leeds boss said: "You can't be like a flag in the wind. You have to stick to what you believe in. Just because you don't win a game doesn't mean you suddenly go to 4-4-2 and stick the ball up front. That's not us, nor the habits we work upon. You work over a season and good managers over years to develop a game."

    • Farke spoke about Brenden Aaronson, who he said was the hardest-working player on the pitch at Millwall but can improve in the following areas: "Shooting - I want my number 10 to be with better concentration. Not shoot at the centre of the goal but choose one corner. Be convinced and a bit more tidy in the finishing. This is something he can definitely improve."

    • Farke continued: "Also out of good intention he has so much energy, he has the intention to run a bit too much instead of waiting for the moment when the ball comes to him, let the opponent shift, then receive the ball in a much better position. If you play football with the pulse at 100 it's always difficult to be calm and composed in the moment. We are working on this but we don't want to take his strengths like his energy away.”

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  8. Farke a slave to his own rhythm?published at 08:26 7 November 2024

    Adam Pope
    BBC Radio Leeds reporter

    Leeds United expert view banner
    Daniel FarkeImage source, PA Media

    The regular refrain from Leeds United supporters after failing to win a game this season is to shout at manager Daniel Farke or type in capital letters on whichever social media platform: "WHY DON’T YOU MAKE SUBS EARLIER?"

    The perception for some fans is that Farke’s substitutions always come around the 70th-minute mark and that there is a stubborn adherence to the time he feels an intervention is required. After the full-time whistle, accusations of failing to manage or influence a game to a positive conclusion then follow.

    (At this point it’s worth stating Leeds have only lost two Championship fixtures.)

    In the immediate aftermath of the club’s first defeat on the road at Millwall - although many will disagree with him - Farke revealed why he was prepared to stick to his guns before bringing on winger Manor Solomon with around 20 minutes to go followed by two strikers eight minutes later.

    "Not because we needed to change the rhythm of the game too much because we were all over them," he explained. That is why, while disappointed with the result, he was not upset with the performance. Why change when you believe what you are doing will prevail?

    Farke went further: "The only problem was we weren’t effective in using our chances and that is why I didn’t make substitutions earlier."

    With 75% possession, 14 shots and 27 touches in their opponents' penalty area, the statistics exist that show United’s dominance at The Den. A failure to convert and to react to a headed knockdown is the reality of why those numbers do not add up to three points and why they stay third in the table.

    If Farke is a slave to his own rhythm, the drum he bangs remains in time with the promotion beat.

    Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds

  9. 'Optimism beginning to replace well-trained wariness among fans'published at 08:23 6 November 2024

    Adonis Storr
    Fan writer

    Leeds United fan's voice banner
    Daniel FarkeImage source, Getty Images

    Leeds United sit four points better off than at this stage last season after facing five of the current top 10 in as many games.

    The tricky run came at a horrible time with injuries to key players like club captain Ethan Ampadu, and an energy-sapping international break for replacements like Ao Tanaka.

    Manager Daniel Farke was forced to tinker with his team, but the Whites emerged with three away draws and two home wins.

    Leeds are now arguably favourites to win what looks to be a weaker Championship this season.

    Despite rallying, at this stage last campaign United were 14 points adrift of Leicester. After beating Plymouth Argyle last Saturday, the Whites are now just three points off top spot and have kinder fixtures to come.

    In a busy final two months of 2024, Leeds will play 11 games. Seven of the 11 opponents are currently in the bottom half of the league and the way the fixtures have fallen has set United up to finish the year strongly.

    The Peacocks have an excellent record against teams outside the top 10 - so far unbeaten and with 2.7 points per game.

    December has always been a season-defining month and barring a couple of tricky away fixtures at Millwall and Blackburn, Leeds have every chance to start 2025 top of the Championship.

    Optimism is beginning to replace a well-trained wariness among Leeds fans.

    After the play-off final defeat and losing major players over the summer, the fear was that a footballing hangover could translate into a poor start to the season.

    Leeds are well in contention and showing a professionalism that has come with experience and bringing in mature players over the summer.

    Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

  10. Farke on Bamford, Gelhardt and keeping their cool at the Denpublished at 15:46 5 November 2024

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds' trip to Millwall in the Championship on Wednesday (kick-off 19:45 GMT).

    Here are the main lines from his news conference:

    • There are no new injury concerns following Saturday's win over Plymouth.

    • Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt "will be a late decision" after returning to training.

    • He said Sam Byram has impressed him but with three games in a week "it can be tricky when the turnaround is quicker because of his age and injury history".

    • On opponents Millwall: "They are in red hot form and it is a very tough place to go. It is hard to break them."

    • He expects a "spicy atmosphere" at The Den so his players "need to be cool in the head with fire in the heart".

    • He said they "cannot relax" against Millwall and they will have to "be ready" to defend set-pieces, which the Lions have capitalised on in recent games.

    • On Isaac Schmidt: "He was struggling with illnesses and injuries recently which has impacted him in training. He needs to step up to find his consistency in training and get the chance to be more and more involved."

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  11. Leeds ready for 'in your face' Millwall - Farkepublished at 15:28 5 November 2024

    A bandaged Joe Rodon of Leeds heads the ball away under pressure from Millwall's Tom BradshawImage source, Rex Features
    Image caption,

    Leeds won 3-0 at The Den in September 2023 - a first win there for 11 years

    Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke says his team will be ready for the test from an "in your face" Millwall team.

    The Whites head to south London on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) to take on the in-form Lions.

    Leeds sit second in the Championship, unbeaten in eight games, but Millwall have climbed to seventh on the back of three straight wins.

    "Millwall are an in-your-face team, they go for it, they will attack, chase and play brave," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.

    Traditionally, fixtures at The Den have been challenging for Leeds, with just two wins in their last 12 visits, although one of those came in September 2023 under Farke.

    They will face a Millwall side who are unbeaten in five games and have conceded just one goal in that time - they enjoyed a notable win against Burnley on Sunday.

    Farke needs his players to cope with the heat of the occasion and the test posed on the pitch by Neil Harris' side to succeed.

    "There can be a hostile, spicy atmosphere but that's what you like as a player," he said.

    "You rise and don't crack under this pressure. At least, that's what I expect from my players.

    "Of course it's a tough place to go but we must find the balance between keeping our nerve and playing with fire in our hearts."

  12. 'Leeds made them look poor'published at 08:31 5 November 2024

    The 3-0 win over Plymouth that took Leeds United up to second in the Championship made for enjoyable viewing for Whites supporters.

    With the Devon side's well-known manager in the away dugout, it also made for a unique atmosphere - as the Don't Go To Bed Just yet team discuss in the latest podcast.

    Media caption,

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  13. 'How do you enjoy the journey if you do not like the destination?'published at 19:22 4 November 2024

    Lewis Deighton
    Fan writer

    Leeds United fan's voice banner

    Dear Ipswich, we told you so.

    Following Saturday's football which saw Leeds breeze past Wayne Rooney's Plymouth and Ipswich drop two points against Leicester in the closing minutes, Martyn – a Town fan - posted a message on X for the LUFC faithful.

    It read: "Leeds fans, ITFC supporter in peace here. You were right." It was in response to warnings that the Premier League would not be all it is cracked up to be.

    The post came after former Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips was sent off in the 77th minute and the aftermath of a justified penalty claim from the Tractor Boys. Ten-man Ipswich then conceded in the 94th minute, having led for much of the game through Leif Davis – another former Whites player.

    Reduced away allocations, extortionate ticket prices, soulless stadiums, irregular kick-off times and VAR are just some of the things fans will face when their clubs are promoted to the 'Promised Land'.

    I have voiced my concerns a lot of late regarding the atmosphere decline at Elland Road and have come to the realisation that this very topic is another contributing factor. How bothered are we about being in the Premier League?

    While it is absolutely where the club needs to be, I - and certainly most other Leeds fans I speak to - am just not excited by it.

    We should be elated, leaving Elland Road after a 3-0 win - but instead, it is a feeling of so what? The lack of jeopardy in games is obviously a factor, but simply put, how do you enjoy the journey if you do not like the destination?

    The Champions League success that Newcastle United and Aston Villa fans have enjoyed does provide hope, however, given both clubs have played Championship football at some point in the past eight years.

    They are evidence that you can be promoted and enjoy it, but at this very moment it seems so far out of reach.

    Find more from Lewis Deighton at LUFC Lewis, external

  14. 'If the manager needs me, I will give everything'published at 15:55 4 November 2024

    Joshua Guilavogui of VfL Wolfsburg applauds the fans following the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and SV Werder Bremen at Volkswagen ArenaImage source, Getty Images

    Leeds United's newest signing Josuha Guilavogui says he will be "the happiest man in the world" if he is able to help Daniel Farke's side "achieve their goals" this season, after joining the club on a free transfer.

    The former Wolfsburg midfielder made his debut for the club in the 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road, and told BBC Radio Leeds all about his experience after the match.

    "Everything was perfect - we won 3-0 and kept a clean sheet," he said. "I came in but also our young players came in. I'm 34-years-old playing for the first time at Leeds, and I'm playing with 18-year-olds.

    "I can remember my first game also, so I don't want to just be happy for me but also for them! I hope it is the first of many more that are coming for them."

    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke already has plenty of midfielders in his squad, but Guilavogui says he "knows his role" and "will give everything" for the team when called on.

    "When everybody is fit, the players who are best will play," he added. "I'm here to help, even if I can only give one percent and we can achieve our goals - I will be the happiest man in the world.

    "I know my role. I'm 34-years-old and I'm looking at our younger players but, if the manager needs me, I will give everything.

    "I'm a professional and I love my job. I'm doing the best job in the world so, in training, I will always try to give my best.

    "The coach knows that if he needs me for five, 10 or 50 minutes in a game, then I will always be there and very happy to do it."

    Listen to the full post-match podcast on BBC Sounds

  15. 'It's about habits and our principles'published at 14:35 4 November 2024

    Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo arm in armImage source, Rex Features
    Image caption,

    Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo exchanged words at half-time despite Leeds United leading Plymouth Argyle 3-0 on Saturday

    Despite Leeds United leading 3-0 at the break against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, defenders Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo had a heated exchange as the players headed for the changing room, something which Whites boss Daniel Farke said he liked to see.

    "So long as it is not over the line or disrespectful, I like it. It’s something we have been working on," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.

    "We are not addicted to results, it’s about habits and our principles, and when we are not there 100% I want us to be unhappy.

    "It’s a good sign. Mature players who could have been happy as defensive players with a clean sheet but they were not happy as even a small detail was not perfect.

    "It’s also the right of our more mature and experienced players, both of them are leaders within our group, to discuss and in the sense of the team bring our focus forward – yes, I like it."

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  16. 🎧 Joyous win for Leedspublished at 13:47 4 November 2024

    Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast graphic

    The latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.

    On this week's show, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix have been reflecting on their weekend win over Plymouth.

    With no shots conceded and three going in at the the other end, plus a trio of debutants, it makes for a joyous discussion for the team.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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