There were a few lessons learned at Elland Road the other night against a Wolves side who I think are a great model for us to follow.
I thought Leeds were excellent for the first half hour, but the experience of the Wolves players showed in the end. They have quality, understanding, and great organisation. They were the better team for periods and Leeds fans might not thank for me this, but I see Wolves as a real example for us to follow. We want to be on the same path as them and emulate what they’ve done and what they continue to do. You have to be realistic, and if we finish anywhere near Wolves this season it will have been a great first year back in the Premier League for us.
Liam Cooper was a massive loss for us, and in Connor Coady Wolves have a shining example as to what every team needs. He is a leader, he has a huge voice, and you can see the influence that he has. It was a game we shouldn’t have lost but we did. 0-0 would have been a good result because they are so well organised – one of the best – and a lot of that is down to Coady.
Coming up against someone like Jiminez also showed the ability of quality players. It was a deflected goal and was fortunate, but before it fell to him, first there was a slip then we didn’t come out defensively and get to the ball. If you don’t get out to the ball quickly you’re chancing your arm and running the risk of someone getting a shot in.
Jack Harrison and Stuart Dallas usually have a really good understanding but that wasn’t as evident the other night which made things more difficult. That was just one of those things, but Leeds need them to be firing. Helder Costa wasn’t at it either and that maybe gives an opportunity for Raphinha..
It’ll help playing Friday after playing on the Monday. We need to get back to the basics that we’ve done well. We didn’t create enough chances, and Marcelo will look at that. It’s a massive blow losing Kalvin Phillips now and someone will have to come in and fill that role now. Whoever comes in has massive boots to fill and he will be a huge loss, but it’s another opportunity for someone else. I know if I was playing there I would be doing everything I could to get in Bielsa’s thoughts for the Villa game on Friday.
