Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Rix believes the Whites, who have won only one of their past four, are hitting a bad run at the worst possible time.
He said: "It was a missed opportunity with the table. It feels like we're a bit out of form right when we need to be bang in form.
"I don't want to be too disheartened. We've gone up to second.
"But with Leicester losing - we needed some of the other teams to drop some points and let us into it. They've done that and we've done everything apart from score a goal.
"It felt quite early on that it was going to be one of those days."
'Farke must be wondering whether to stick or twist with Bamford'published at 12:58 9 April
12:58 9 April
Adonis Storr Fan writer
The last time Leeds United lost, Daniel Farke made changes.
The away defeat by West Brom in the final game of 2023 signalled the end of Georginio Rutter as a striker. Rutter dropped to 10 and Patrick Bamford came in at nine and Leeds went unbeaten in the Championship for four months.
Bamford's re-introduction was transformative. Rutter - statistically Leeds' worst finisher – flourished in a deeper position, while Patrick scored seven in 10 league games. But Bamford's recent form has fans questioning the striker role again.
"Patrick needs to deliver and he knows the last games he could be a bit stronger in holding the ball a bit better and be a bit more focused in front of the goal," Farke said during Monday's pre-Sunderland news conference.
In no season at Leeds has Bamford outperformed his expected goals (xG) metric. Yet successive managers have stuck with him for his tireless work-rate on and off the ball.
After the record-breaking season Leeds have had, it is testament to the form of the rest of the Whites' forward line that there is still a debate over the striker position.
With five games left and promotion on the line, Farke must be wondering whether to stick or twist with Bamford.
'I wonder if we should try to find a place for Piroe'published at 09:27 9 April
09:27 9 April
Image source, Getty Images
On the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix reflect on a rare defeat at the hands of Coventry City as the Championship title race took another turn.
The panel ask why it happened and what needs to happen now for an instant response.
Kaiser Chiefs bassist Rix questioned whether it is time for manager Daniel Farke to rotate striker Patrick Bamford for Joel Piroe, who came off the bench as part of a double change which saw Bamford replaced and then scored the consolation against the Sky Blues.
"He [Bamford] usually thrives with competition and sticking someone else in," he said.
"Piroe's come in and scored a goal. I know he doesn't necessarily play number nine but he was the guy in the summer we went out and bought to score the goals.
"I wonder if in this final little push we should try to find a place for him. I don't quite know where, I don't know if instead of Patrick.
"When he was playing with Georgi, it was more Georgi at nine and him at 10, and I don't know if he does the running that Patrick does.
"It's the same record again and again - same as the Bielsa era. The stuff Bamford does off the ball is why he gets so many games.
"He does score a few but his pressing of defenders and stuff like that is his main skill. Farke's said his commitment without the ball has been good, but I feel he hasn't been doing it."
Farke backs Bamford and says 'now is not the time for experiments'published at 14:43 8 April
14:43 8 April
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United host Sunderland in the Championship on Tuesday (20:00 BST kick-off).
For the first time in 2024, Farke has to pick his side up after a league defeat following Saturday's 2-1 loss at Coventry City.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Captain Ethan Ampadu (illness) is a major doubt. Farke said he needs to complete a short training session on Tuesday before the game to have a chance of playing.
Connor Roberts and Willy Gnonto are both expected to be on the bench again.
Farke backed Patrick Bamford, who was substituted during the second half of the defeat at Coventry: "Right now we've played 41 games and it's important not to question our players too much. In some situations he could be more focused, but don't underestimate what he is doing for us. It's important we back our key players. Now is not the time for experiments."
He added that Bamford is not a "guaranteed starter" and said Mateo Joseph has been doing well.
On the run-in: "I'm at my best when the sea is getting rough and you have to show leadership. But football is never just a manager's game. The most important are the players."
On Sunderland and if they have anything to play for: "Nothing to play for is all relative in football. [They have had [several manager changes. First change in management, they were sitting close to the top six. It says a lot about their ambition and where they want to finish."
He added: "Playing Leeds feels like a cup game for every opponent. Opponents want to be the first team to win here [at Elland Road]. You could say they can play with freedom without anything to lose."
Favourable fixtures for Leeds' end of season run-in?published at 13:15 8 April
13:15 8 April
With the Championship heading into the crucial end of season run-in, BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast takes a look over the Whites' final few games of the campaign.
The panel discuss where the points could be won and lost as they chase the title and automatic promotion.
Who is going to hold their nerve in promotion race?published at 17:37 5 April
17:37 5 April
Image source, Getty Images
Ipswich Town, Leeds United and Leicester City are separated by two points at the top of the Championship - which teams will "hold their nerve" in the closing weeks of the season to win promotion to the Premier League?
The top two have six games remaining, while the third-placed Foxes have what could prove to be a pivotal game in hand on their title rivals.
Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff told the BBC's 72+ podcast: "You've still got three [contenders] that are so difficult to call in terms of who will get over the line to be the top two. And also the team who doesn't, what impact that will have for them going into the play-offs."
Cambridge striker Lyle Taylor added: "I feel Ipswich are in a really strong position - they've got points on the board. Leicester have a game in hand, which will come into play. I do feel like Leicester have possibly got the upper hand.
"We haven't seen a title race like this in years in the Championship and this is going to go right down to the wire because Ipswich just never, ever die.
"Who is going to hold their nerve? Who has got the most experience, or will the youthful exuberance of an Ipswich side carry them over the line? I can't see past Leicester - that's my view."
McAnuff continued: "If I was those three teams, I would want Leeds' run-in, for sure.
"The energy, feeling and belief is with Ipswich and Leeds at the moment. I look at Leicester's fixtures and the next three are massive. If they can beat Birmingham, Millwall and Plymouth - all teams at the wrong end of the table - the psychological impact then comes back around to what it looks like for those last three or four games."
'It's what separates us from every other club and academy' - 10,500 watch youngsters reach FA Youth Cup finalpublished at 12:22 5 April
12:22 5 April
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, Getty Images
"I think we could fill the Etihad, to be honest. They might even need a bigger stadium than that."
The words of Leeds United Under-18s coach Rob Etherington after his side made it through to the FA Youth Cup final to face Manchester City by beating Millwall 4-3 in front of more than 10,493 supporters on a filthy night at Elland Road on Thursday.
Etherington is only the second coach to have taken Leeds this far in the competition after Paul Hart won the final twice in 1993 and 1997.
With genuine pride after seeing his charges come from behind to eventually edge a seven-goal thriller after being twice pegged back, 32-year-old Etherington added: "It's what separates us from every other club and academy - ten and a half thousand here.
"It makes us so proud to play and represent this football club. It makes a big difference and it builds up the occasion.
"The fanbase will back the young players because we support our own. I said to the players at half-time we need to set the tone and ramp it up a little bit because I was feeling the energy from the crowd and I knew they were.
"I felt we still had gears to go. If you show that energy and that passion to the crowd, they'll get behind you. As soon as it does, it becomes a snowball and the momentum happens. They certainly felt that."
The final is scheduled for 4 May at Manchester City's Academy but Etherington is keen for it to move with the senior side in final day Championship action against Southampton.
"The club would back it. We want as much focus and pressure on the players as possible. If we could avoid that date, I think we would do that."
Farke on Gruev's absence, Joseph's impact and Coventrypublished at 15:19 4 April
15:19 4 April
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Championship game against Coventry City on Saturday (15:00 BST):
Ilia Gruev (ankle) may be fit to return but Jamie Shackleton (adductor) will be missing for two weeks. Otherwise, it will be the same squad available that faced Hull City on Monday. Wilfried Gnonto, Connor Roberts, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas remain sidelined.
On how close the call is to start striker Mateo Joseph ahead of Patrick Bamford: "It's important we're not driven by emotions and put too much weight on a 20-year-old's shoulders. He has affected games so far and it's good to have this player. It's also important to have experienced players on the pitch like Patrick, who works hard to close defenders down and create space."
On what Leeds miss without Gruev and what 17-year-old midfielder Charlie Crew brings to the squad: "Ilia is important for our rhythm, sometimes to calm the game down or sweep it up. He's precise and great with his passing. He's tidy on the ball and wants to have it under pressure. As for Charlie, he plays in a similar role, perhaps a bit more offensive. It's not a gift why he has been involved. We see him as a high-potential young player but there is still a long way to go."
What sort of game does Farke expect against Coventry, who are aiming to reach the play-offs? He said: "If you want to be successful against a really good side you have to show compactness. If you lose your nerve and open up and feel you have to overrun them in the first five minutes, it never works. It's not a do or die game like a cup competition in which you have to win."
Class of 2024 to follow 1993 and 1997?published at 14:08 4 April
14:08 4 April
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, PA Media
"You can speak to any first-team player at any level and they will all be able to remember their FA Youth Cup games because you only get two years at it," said Leeds United Under-18s coach Rob Etherington before Thursday's semi-final against Millwall at Elland Road (19:00 BST).
The affable Etherington, who has spent almost 11 years at the club in various roles, spoke to BBC Radio Leeds, external about his pride representing Leeds as his team attempts to reach the final of a competition which the Whites won in 1993 and 1997.
Etherington, 32, is fully aware of the club's history and the significance of this moment.
"Any professional player has experiences in the FA Youth Cup, it's something that everybody goes through," he said. "It's something that first-team players in particular can relate to. I've bumped into a couple around the training ground and it sparks interest and conversation because everyone can go back to their experiences they've had."
After beating Liverpool at home in the quarter-final, following three victorious away ties at Norwich, Brighton and Sheffield United, Etherington is confident his side can overcome Millwall in front of a 10,000-plus crowd at Elland Road.
"The strategy and objective is to build this occasion up as much as possible and add as much pressure we can, but also scaffolding that with the relevant support as much as possible. That for me is a massive part of their development. If they're going to walk out at Elland Road in front of 36,000, they've got to know how to win football games, what winning football games feels like and what it looks like."
The winners of the tie will face Manchester City in the final on 4 May.
The Don't Go To Bed Just Yet panel were full of praise for Leeds forward Georginio Rutter after another impressive performance in Monday's vital 3-1 win over Hull City.
The Frenchman offered defensive solidity and versatility as well as creating his side's opener with a wonderful snaking run that saw him beat four players in midfield.
"He was immense," said BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.
"I think he took three players out of the game just with a switch of the hips - Shakira style. Before the game Neil Redfearn specifically said it will be so important what Georginio Rutter does without the ball.
"From minute one defensively he was in at right-back helping Sam Byram out, helping Joe Rodon out. I thought he was incredible.
"For someone whose had that operation - and you could tell he was struggling a bit in the first half at Watford - I thought it was full Georgie to the point where he thought 'I can't shoot so I won't' and offloaded shots to other people."
"I thought Georgie had a great game, he was really good defensively nicking the ball back and stuff," added Kaiser Chief's bassists Simon Rix.
"Great movement for the first goal. He created that in his own way."
Nerves, emotion and sheer joypublished at 17:03 3 April
17:03 3 April
Adam Pope BBC Radio Leeds reporter
The irony of the start of British Summer Time is that as the elements are meant to melt in the sunshine and signify lazy, hazy months ahead, the real season for football supporters is nothing of the sort.
The Easter weekend is packed with action, fraught with nerves and high on emotion. Leeds United v Hull City was exactly such.
The Tigers were as technically and tactically astute as any team that has visited Elland Road this campaign. Although United created the better chances they were passed through and around far too often in a first half where possession was firmly in the grasp pf Liam Rosenior's side. Whites' manager Daniel Farke rectified the imbalance after the break as his side were charged with being more aggressive in possession to counteract the jeopardy posed to an unbeaten home record.
Sam Byram scoring with a header - which he said came off his teeth - had stopped the nervous grinding of 36,000 sets of others in the stadium, that was until Fabio Carvalho levelled at least.
But Inspired by Georginio Rutter, who is defying medicine by returning to his shimmying best swiftly after hernia surgery, and the rejuvenated Crysencio Summerville, United produced the quality which separates them from the rest of the Championship in key moments to take hold of the scoreline.
The coup de grace was Dan James' precision ping of a half volley from halfway which was exquisite. In that moment everyone felt sheer joy in seeing a player produce such a remarkable piece of skill having suffered heartache with his country a week previously
Amid all of this captivating encounter those of us present witnessed a very uplifting experience - a sign that the fight to eradicate tragedy chanting is being won.
It was superb to see the memories of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight were so respectfully observed by the club, its supporters and those from Hull City both inside and outside Elland Road in the week in which their tragic deaths in Istanbul are remembered 24 years on.
The big penalty debate...published at 09:38 3 April
09:38 3 April
There were nerves and opinions when Crysencio Summerville took the ball from Joel Piroe to take the decisive penalty in Leeds United's win over Hull City on Monday.
But what did the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team think?
Could Phillips return to Leeds this summer?published at 17:25 2 April
17:25 2 April
Media caption,
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Kalvin Phillips "looks like a guy at the end of his tether" and the midfielder needs to find a suitable club this summer that can get the best out of him.
"There is an outstanding footballer in there," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "He needs regular game time, but where will that be?
"Maybe he will end up back at Leeds, as it is a place where he feels at home and gets full support.
"He seems like a thoroughly decent guy so for his sake, he needs to find a home again and feel wanted.
"He looks like a guy at the end of his tether and like a fish out of water."
'Leeds keep finding a way to win'published at 13:16 2 April
13:16 2 April
Adonis Storr Fan writer
As Dan James launched Leeds United's third goal into Hull City's vacated net from the halfway line in injury time, the Welshman clawed some confidence back from his international heartbreak.
James' goal also confirmed Leeds broke a run of seven defeats in a row when they played on Easter Monday.
Battered, bullied, bruised and nearly broken, United had the lowest first-half percentage of possession at home in a Championship game since June 2020 against Fulham. This was not a vintage performance, but there were mitigating circumstances.
Glen Kamara was ill, Joe Rodon was on painkillers for a back spasm. At half-time, Sam Byram told Daniel Farke he could not sprint any more. Only six fit Leeds players could train before Monday's game. This squad is fatigued.
But the mark of a great team is getting results despite adversity. Fans have seen many previous Leeds squads crumble over Easter – but through illness and injuries this Leeds side succeeded where others failed.
Farke has a precious week with his squad to recharge his team before another three games in eight days.
The schedule is relentless, but – still unbeaten in the league this year – Leeds keep finding a way to win.
Gossip: Leeds look to re-sign Phillipspublished at 07:57 1 April
07:57 1 April
Leeds United hope to re-sign 28-year-old England midfielder Kalvin Phillips for about £30m from Manchester City this summer, if the Whites secure promotion back to the Premier League. (Sun), external
Tottenham have joined the race to sign Leeds United's 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray, with Liverpool also interested in the England Under-21 international. (Football Insider), external
