Leeds United

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Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto's introduction as a substitute proved to be a match-changing moment after the Italy international scored the winning goal in the 91st minute in a 4-3 spectacular against Swansea City.

Though the Whites went into half-time 2-1 down, Gnonto told BBC Radio Leeds that he did not doubt that his side would come out victorious.

"I always thought we could win it, even when we were losing we knew we had the chance to win," Gnonto said.

"You can see the coach bringing on me, Mateo [Joseph], he made a statement. We wanted to win and we are happy to do it."

The win lifted Leeds to the top of the Championship table, with the super sub feeling confident going into their next game against Luton Town on Wednesday.

You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, Rex Features

Fighting spirit is not an easily measured metric. But among the Leeds United faithful it is probably the most valued quality of any player. And since Billy Bremner put a ‘Keep Fighting’ sign above his place in the changing room in the 1960s, fighting spirit has defined the club.

But at times this season, that fight has seemed elusive. At The Den in early November, Millwall bullied Leeds. Off-the-ball fouls, dives, time-wasting; Milwall’s tactics dampened the Whites spirit.

But last Sunday, on a wet afternoon against Swansea, the Peacocks fighting spirit ignited. Twice behind, United never gave up. Even after the Welsh side equalised in the 90th minute – often a psychology knockout blow – Leeds reacted and within a minute led again.

“If you want to lift some silverware you also need heart and spirit and togetherness and big resilience, and this is what we showed today” Daniel Farke said in an interview shortly after Sunday’s game.

Sports psychologists define fighting spirit as a cocktail of mental states: stress and anger, coupled with determination and enthusiasm, and a robust self-belief.

For Leeds United there seems to be only one piece of the puzzle missing – game management. It is the ability to alter the pace of a match depending on the game state. The wherewithal, when up by a goal with minutes to go, to employ tactics that rob your opponent of hope.

The last 15 minutes in Wales were dominated by Swansea. As Leeds gave up possession, they provided the Swans with hope and opportunity. If United want to get promoted and stay in the Premier League, they must learn better game management.

But in a season that has followed a playoff final defeat and massive transfer upheaval in the summer, Leeds United have found their fighting spirt.

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Luke Williams says Swansea City will face a Premier League side in waiting when they host "absolutely fabulous" Leeds United on Sunday.

Daniel Farke's team finished third in the Championship last season but missed out on an immediate return to the Premier League after play-off final defeat to Southampton.

Williams expects Leeds to go one better this season by finishing in the second tier's top two.

"Personally I think they will," said the Swansea head coach.

"It's not like there aren’t other excellent sides in the division, but this group have been together and had a very good season last season, when [they missed out as] the teams at the top had very high points totals.

"They have built on that and have an excellent manager who has been in this position in many times. That's a good combination."

Leeds beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 in their last game before the international break, which was a fourth win in six games for Farke's side.

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They have a squad packed with stellar Championship performers, including former Swans Joe Rodon, Daniel James and Joel Piroe.

"They are an absolutely fabulous team at the level," Williams added.

"But we have competed this season against the top sides better than we did last season, so we have to take some confidence from that and be brave and try to make a really good performance at home.

"We will have to be immaculate defensively and we will have to be ruthless at the other end."

Swansea have lost only one league game on their ground so far this season, when Millwall snatched an undeserved victory by scoring the only goal on a breakaway in the closing minutes.

Leeds, meanwhile, are looking to improve their away record. While they have won five straight games at Elland Road, the Yorkshire side have not registered an away victory in the last four attempts.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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Leeds United resume their Championship campaign after the international break at Swansea City on Sunday.

BBC Radio Leeds will have build-up to full match commentary from 14:00 GMT, with former United title winner Jon Newsome, Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke faced the press ahead of the match at Thorp Arch on Friday.

Here are some of his comments:

• There are no fresh injury worries. Brenden Aaronson is over an illness and Max Wober (knee) should be fine. Largie Ramazani has returned to training and could feature off the bench in the upcoming three games. Isaac Schmidt had hernia surgery during the break and will miss Sunday's game.

• The international break was a good opportunity for recovery "because this league is a marathon", said Farke. "You need energy and quality in the final stages when it comes to March, April and May. From now on until the next break in March, there are more or less no breaks - so many league games, the FA Cup. During this period, the table will be made. It was important during the first week of the break to calm the load and give the lads a bit of time off."

• Farke welcomed an off-field shake-up, meaning Alex Davies is now heading up recruitment and Adam Underwood has more involvement in player trading. "I've worked with Adam before with the academy and young players, we had a fantastic relationship. I’ve worked with Alex before because he was in charge of scouting. I have to praise Paraag [Marathe] for this. New owners sometimes take their own people into key positions. We have two lads in Adam and Alex who have worked here for decades. It's always great to promote and develop people in the staff in leading roles with only Leeds blood in their veins."

• While recognising statistics are an important part of the modern game, Farke echoed a former Leeds manager on just how important they are: "Statistics are not everything. Still the only ones that matter are to score goals and avoid goals. There is no replacement for three points. I think there's a quote from Brian Clough: 'We were a good team on paper but the game was played on grass.' I like this. We know statistics say we should be first, there are some things to work on."

• Leeds will need to take their chances if they are to become the first team this season to score more than once against Swansea on Sunday. Farke said: "All the teams were struggling to score more than one goal against them. We know we have to be more efficient with our conversion rate than in some of our last games. We know we have to be on it and make sure we create as many chances as possible."

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

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Leeds United full-back Jayden Bogle says the club, players, staff and fans are united behind the lone goal of getting the Whites back to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old joined in the summer following Sheffield United's relegation from the top flight and immediately set his sights on a return at the earliest opportunity having been part of a promotion-winning squad with the Blades in 2022-23.

Bogle has scored twice and helped Leeds keep nine clean sheets in their 15 games so far and they will seek to close the gap at the top of the Championship when they visit Swansea City on Sunday (15:00 GMT).

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

"The feeling and mentality of the place, from the minute I spoke to people I could tell there is one goal, to get promoted and win as many games as possible," he said.

"Approaching every game with the mindset of, 'we’re winning this game.'

"The mindset of the whole club, the fan base, the support, the atmosphere at the ground brings a sort of winning feeling to the place."

Bogle also reveals what he has been up to over the international break, his own personal form and attacking style, his attitude to social media and who has the best banter in the dressing room.

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds.

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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Much is made of Leeds United's Welsh connections - 'The Taffia' as it is called - which now includes Charlie Crew alongside Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Dan James.

On Sunday, some of those will be up against their compatriot who was largely responsible for securing Wales' improbable return to the Nations League's top tier on Tuesday.

Liam Cullen's first two international goals put Wales in front at half-time. His assist for Brennan Johnson helped provide the third before Harry Wilson cracked home a fourth in front of a jubilant Cardiff City Stadium.

It was a proud night for a proud Welshman who said he had dreamed of the moment "since I was kicking a ball really."

Cullen said: "I've always said I've wanted to play in a Swansea shirt and a Wales shirt as a senior and I want to score goals in the shirts as well. To get my first two tonight is a dream come true."

So what are Leeds facing in Tenby-born Cullen?

The 25-year-old striker came through the Wales youth set-up having worked with boss Craig Bellamy in the under-17s. Bar a half-season loan at Lincoln City, he has spent his entire playing career at Swansea. Part of the Swans' set-up since the age of eight, Cullen played for the under-18s at age 13.

His 17 goals in 21 appearances for the under-23s brought him to the fore and he made his senior debut in the 2019-20 season, going on to score the first of 23 goals in 133 appearances to date.

At club level he has hit the buffers recently having not scored for two months. Seeing his name in lights on the scoreboard on Tuesday night could not have come soon enough.

Cullen is no stranger to facing Leeds. So far he has tasted three defeats from three. The first was as a late substitute having watched one of the most iconic moments in United's recent history as former Swansea great Pablo Hernandez scored the only goal of the behind closed doors encounter to all but secure Leeds' return to the Premier League after 16 years.

Last season Cullen was on the wrong end of 3-1 and 4-0 scorelines.

As familiar as he may be to many on Sunday, Cullen knows he will have a job on to not only compete with, but overcome a defence which includes the likes of Joe Rodon.

The warrior centre-back refused to be bowed by a cut to his head in the goalless draw in Turkey. A week on, he will be keeping a keen eye on a rejuvenated Cullen as Leeds try to ensure a 10th Championship clean sheet.

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

Is Junior Firpo good enough to keep his place if Leeds United get promoted back to the Premier League?

The 28-year-old left-back, who signed from Barcelona in 2021, has been involved in 13 league matches so far this season and scored one goal.

When the Whites were in the top flight, he made 43 appearances but BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast panel were davided on if he has the qualities needed to compete in England's highest league.

"Firpo is really interesting," said Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix. "I think a lot of people would say no straight away to him starting, but last time in the Premier League, he never really had a run of games.

"We don't think he's that good at defending but he does do some other good things, so for that reason I think he would be worth a go.

"But he is also out of contract so he might not even get the chance!"

BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan replied: "You have just raised that he is not good at defending but when Leeds get back into the Premier League they will be doing a lot of defending!

"To me he would be a squad member, if he wants to be that, and Leeds would have to strengthen that position."

Listen to their opinions on the rest of the squad on BBC Sounds

Is it too early to be thinking about promotion?

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix discuss which of the current squad would be able to perform in the Premier League if they do go up this season.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Ever wondered what the hand signals that footballers use mean?

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has been explaining the secrets behind the gestures at set-pieces to comedian Joe Wilkinson.

Listen to My Mate's A Footballer on BBC Sounds

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

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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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

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

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image 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.

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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