In 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 the Whites heading into the international break in the Championship play-off places.
The 2-1 win over Bristol City was another impressive performance, but it also provided some important talking points about the squad.
Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been previewing the visit of Bristol City on Saturday.
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Injury-wise, defender Jamie Shackleton (shoulder) is out, winger Jaidon Anthony (ankle) is rated 50-50 and will be assessed after training, along with Sam Byram who is hoping to be able to play three games in a week.
Elsewhere, Joe Rodon is fine after suffering a slight injury during the win over QPR, Stuart Dallas, Djed Spence, Willy Gnonto and Junior Firpo remained sidelined.
On Helder Costa's exit, he said: "We were all waiting for a solution. We had open and professional talks about it. Helder is a great guy but from both sides, it was clear we wanted to have something new. We wish him all the best."
Costa's departure by mutual consent according to Farke does not mean his January transfer budget will necessarily be enhanced.
Farke is asking the Elland Road crowd and his players to be "at our best" because he describes the Bristol City game as "crucial" to maintaining the top six position in the table.
Farke gave a long and definitive answer on the conundrum about whether to play Joel Piroe as number nine over Georginio Rutter, Patrick, Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph: "I’m a big believer in playing players in their best position, but that means all of the players want to play in the same position. I’ve won this league twice and I know what’s required. When it comes to strikers, I know my business."
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United have announced that Helder Costa has left the club by mutual consent.
Costa made 71 appearances in all competitions after initially joining the club on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, before the deal was made permanent.
He played a key role for the Whites during the 2019-20 campaign as Leeds were crowned Championship winners.
Costa has spent time away from Elland Road over the last two seasons with Valencia and Al Ittihad.
Image source, Getty ImagesIn the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope and Jonny Buchan are joined by Simon Rix to analyse the 1-0 victory over QPR.
Speaking to manager Daniel Farke following the win, Pope said that the German boss was full of "pride".
"Pride was his big thing," said Pope. "He felt it was so difficult to come back after a defeat at the weekend. The clean sheet was great, Leeds didn't score a second goal but he didn't feel threatened by QPR, who gave the ball away a bit too much.
"But the big quote from him is that there can't be champagne. It won't be football fireworks in the dug out."
Buchan joked: "A dirty pint rather than champagne. People are saying this game felt very Championshippy. All of the talk post match was about Piroe and Rutter. How do we solve a situation like that?"
Rix answered: "I don't know if it is an issue. Rutter will be frustrating, he'll have a game like Watford where he is unbelievable, and then a game like Southampton where he is anonymous.
"Piroe has been a bit absent but has been in the right place when needed. Maybe there are other things at play, he's playing deeper so he's more solid.
"QPR were having more joy when Piroe came off. Everybody always wants to say what needs to change, but I don't think there's much wrong."
BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope gave his thoughts on Leeds United's next opponents QPR on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "Gareth Ainsworth is struggling. You look at their side and there's a lot of very young players, particularly on the bench.
"There's the odd name that sticks out like Ilias Chair, who's always been pretty decent. Kenneth Paal, the Suriname international who has three goals is the one that probably stands out.
"They are having a tough time, you fully expect Leeds to win."
Kaiser Chiefs' Simon Rix also had his say on Wednesday's opponents: "Looking at the stats, their goalkeeper is their best player, their defender is their highest goalscorer and they're right down the bottom of the table.
"Going into international week, if we get six points that would be excellent. Everyone forgets about the Southampton result."
Image source, Getty ImagesAdam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds
"I will never get used to losing football games," said Leeds United manager Daniel Farke. "The next day, I don't want to get up. I don't want to speak about football. And if anyone coincidentally wants to come around, I still want to kill them."
With his usual candour, Farke amusingly explained his dark thoughts in the wake of the 3-1 defeat at Southampton: "It will always be the same. It was the same 20 years ago and will be the same in 20 years, and although in the weeks before we were six games unbeaten and four clean sheets, in this moment, I still want to kill. I try to hide my emotions because no-one wants such an emotional killer as a manager."
Farke's passion for the game and for bringing success to Elland Road is infectious.
He continued: "If I'm honest, I also want my squad and my players to feel this disappointment because you need to feel there is no replacement for the winning feeling after the game.
"I also like that all our supporters and everyone in our club feels this same pain after a loss. I think it's quite important to feel this."
But are those murderous feelings and the sweetness of victory more intense at Leeds United than anywhere else?
"No. Even even when I'm on the training pitch with my family, I want to win. This club is unbelievably emotional and that is why we love football so much. It's all about emotion. You have to have this feeling as a supporter - otherwise you are not a proper supporter."
Worry not, the beast inside Farke recedes into the shadows soon enough, like the fictional character of David Banner in the 1970s hit series The Incredible Hulk.
His rational and analytical mind then lends itself to the objectivity required to devise a plan to beat QPR in the Championship on Wednesday.
"I think after 24 to 48 hours of feeling sorry for ourselves and the disappointment is away. Right now, we have to add the next points," said the German.
I can just imagine what his last words to the players might be before they head out of the tunnel...
"Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before the Whites' Championship game against Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road on Wednesday (kick-off 19:45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke said a late decision will be made on defender Sam Byram, who is working his way back to coping with three games in a week. He added that the data shows centre-back Joe Rodon and winger Jaidon Anthony have made impressive starts to their careers at Leeds, and Farke said he was "hungry" to bring the former in.
Djed Spence, Willy Gnonto, Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo the only players unavailable. They are recovering well but won't be available until after the international break. Dallas is a few weeks away from being considered for selection.
On Liam Cooper, Farke said: "Liam is an unbelievable part of our group. He’s our club captain and has white blood in his veins." He pointed out how solid the defender was in pre-season and how he sacrificed himself when injured in scoring against Cardiff City - but he stressed that doesn't mean he starts every match.
Leeds suffered a dismal defeat at Southampton on Saturday and Farke said a loss gives him "murderous thoughts" for up to 48 hours, before objectivity kicks in: "I want my squad to feel this disappointment. There’s no replacement for the winning feeling. After several weeks of really good performances, sometimes you accept it’s football."
Farke said Wednesday's opponents QPR, who are 22nd in the table, are better than their league position suggests. He added that he is expecting Gareth Ainsworth's side to be compact and not give up too many chances, so United must be "brutal" with their finishing.
Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock, external
"Tear Cooper's contract up." "League One Liam." "He's never has been good enough for Leeds, and never will be."
The footballing powers of club captain Liam Cooper are diminishing. After over 250 appearances, the innumerable tackles are finally taking their toll.
But the abuse he receives online is in contrast to his record at Leeds United.
A Leeds fan from childhood, he has played under 13 different managers, appeared in two PFA Teams of the Year and lifted the Championship trophy.
On the pitch, he has never been at fault for lack of effort. Off the pitch, he has led by example. Cooper's football academy for kids in Leeds is a laudable effort to give back.
And while others downed tools last season, Cooper reminded them what it means to be Leeds.
Daniel Farke's team came crashing down to Earth on Saturday with a 3-1 loss at Southampton. But reading tweets from some fans you would think Cooper solely to blame. But no Leeds player covered themselves in glory in a tepid performance devoid of intensity.
No-one is above genuine criticism - and there is little doubt Joe Rodon has earned a starting spot - but Cooper's service deserves recognition not abuse.
Adam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds
Leeds United head to struggling Southampton on Saturday for the 12.30pm kick off at St Mary's in the Championship.
United are on great form having picked up seven points from nine last week. They have not conceded a goal in four games and are unbeaten in seven.
The Saints have lost their last four matches and manager Russell Martin is under pressure to arrest the slide. Here are the best lines from Leeds boss Daniel Farke's news conference:
Asked if it is a fine time to play Southampton, Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: “There’s no time to be over confident. I couldn’t think of a worse time to play them. They’re there with four losses… you look under every stone and at details. They’ll have done exactly that.”
Patrick Bamford (hamstring) is set to travel with the squad this weekend after returning to full training. Wilfried Gnonto's ankle surgery has gone well but he, Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas remain sidelined. Centre-back Joe Rodon is available after suspension.
Farke is pleased with forward Mateo Joseph’s progress in training and thinks he will play a big part at the club in medium to long-term.
Farke on Saints boss Russell Martin: “He's a really good coach and he's got a big future in the game. I worked with him at Norwich. He was a great player, a big character.”
Farke on new signing Ilia Gruev: "For each and every player it is something different when you come to the motherland of English football. The physicality here is second to none. Ilia is a top player. I am impressed with him."
Farke says the club is still working on winger Helder Costa's situation. He is in his last year of a contract but is not out on loan. Costa wants to go and he is not in Farke’s plans.
Image source, Getty ImagesAdam Pope, BBC Radio Leeds
"Being quite early on in my Leeds journey, I'm learning all of the classics," Rebecca Grace tells BBC Radio Leeds. "I love it."
Grace has been a Leeds United fan for a year and a half. She has experienced the pain of relegation and now the stirring of the club as it begins to stomp through the Championship. Supporting United is already appealing to all her senses, particularly the sounds on matchday.
"New chants, particularly the one at the weekend with the Dutch players to the tune of Rocking All Over The World by Status Quo, are amusing, and just show the happiness among the fans," she says.
Those near her are making up rhymes about the Netherlands trio of Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe and Pascal Struijk or figuratively pushing pineapples and shaking trees to Black Lace's Agadoo in praise of star midfielder Ethan Ampadu.
"I must admit Leeds fans are very creative," adds Grace. "It's been great to hear these chants and watch the fans in the ground getting behind the team again."
The latest songs represent a reconnection between supporters and players as they watch attractive football under manager Daniel Farke.
After Saturday's commanding victory over Watford, many fans have said they have not had so much fun at Elland Road since the coronavirus pandemic cut short their communal viewing of Bielsa-ball in the promotion campaign.
Grace's allegiance has not been dissipated by the misery of relegation in her first full season as a fan - far from it in fact.
"There was a very surreal moment for me where I was wearing my Leeds shirt at Leeds Festival and within five minutes, people were high-fiving me, just complete strangers," she said.
"I was in a mosh pit and they came up to me randomly and went, 'Leeds, Leeds, Leeds!' and then disappeared off into the ether."
"What a brilliant club and community. You don't need to know anybody but the moment you hear Marching on Together at Elland Road, the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and everybody gets together. Once you're in, you're in. Everybody is loyal. There is no exit ramp apparently."
Strap yourself in for the ride, Rebecca!
Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock, external
Georginio Rutter's outrageous skills came second only to his beaming smile at lighting up Elland Road on Saturday in Leeds United's beyond-dominant defeat of Watford. "Try not to embarrass the opposition so much," were Daniel Farke's words as all four stands sang his name.
Rutter's time in West Yorkshire had been fairly subdued since his January signing from Hoffenheim. The eye-watering club-record transfer-fee – an initial £32m – brought with it expectations seemingly beyond him. At 21, Georginio was not the Premier League-ready striker required to avoid relegation.
But Rutter's performances didn't dissuade others. There was interest in the transfer window from Hoffenheim and Lyon, while Borussia Dortmund's £25m bid was rejected.
And while others pushed for their moves in the summer, Rutter was training hard to earn his place in a Leeds United side he was desperate to play for. And on Saturday many critics had to about-face.
Tricks, vision, brilliant through-balls and shooting is only half the story. Rutter tracks back, works hard and has a competitive bite behind the smile. On Saturday Rutter was the irrepressible talent worthy of his price-tag, and deservedly serenaded, the new darling of Elland Road.
Don't Go To Bed Just Yet team discuss Georginio Rutter
In the latest episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, the panel singled out striker Georginio Rutter for his performance in Saturday's 3-0 win over Watford.
The French striker joined the club in January for £36m but struggled to make an impact as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League.
He has started this season promisingly however, and registered another assist against the Hornets as well as producing a number of impressive pieces of individual skill.
"We've been saying for a long time he needs a moment," said BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan.
"We always thought that might be a goal but I think he's had that moment now and it was the performance."
Leeds correspondent Adam Pope added: "It was sensational from him. His contribution was exceptional. Just incredible - pick whichever assist or build-up you want.
"The one for Jadon Anthony was superb - he was bobbing and weaving away from everyone. Then the double pirouette - I remember Glen Hoddle doing stuff like that.
"He's stolen the show on the day. Everything he did came off, and some of it was unbelievable."
Image source, Getty ImagesLuis Sinisterra has been speaking to BBC Radio Solent for the first time since leaving Leeds to join Premier League club Bournemouth on loan.
The 24-year-old winger said: "I had other options, but they were outside of England. It was really difficult with Leeds United, from the beginning, because they wanted me to stay.
"But of course I wanted to play in the Premier League. So, when Bournemouth came I just decided [to go] because I really wanted to play at the highest level possible. So that's why [I left]."
On whether he enjoyed his time at Leeds: "Yes I did, of course. Avoiding the relegation, I have had a really good time there, and my family as well. But, you know, my desire is always to play at the highest level. So I was looking for that.
"This was my decision. That's why last year I chose to come to Leeds - to play in the Premier League. Of course it's sad that we got relegated, but it's a really good team with really good people."
