Bristol City v Leeds United Sat 26th October| Ashton Gate
Leeds make the four hour journey down to Ashton Gate for a lunchtime kick-off with Bristol City on Saturday, knowing victory could take them to the top of the table. Four wins and two draws from their last six games have propelled the Whites to third in the table, only three points behind early pacesetters Sunderland. Daniel Farke's side sit seven places and as many points above the Robins and have a goal difference of thirteen.
Long term injuries to Max Wober, Ethan Ampadu and Ilea Gruev has forced Daniel Farke to explore the free agent market. They announced the capture of 34 year old midfielder Josuha Guilavogui on Wednesday afternoon, but it's going to take a while for the Frenchman to play catch-up, as he hasn't played competitively since last season.
Junior Firpo will miss the trip, after collecting his fifth booking of the season against Watford midweek. Daniel Farke must choose between new signing Isaac Schmidt who thus far has accumulated just nine minutes of game time since signing from St Gallen almost two months ago, or rely on experienced veteran Sam Byram.
Largie Ramazani's knock he took against the Hornets is worse than first feared, out for 6 weeks with ligament damage. The 23 year old limped off after just 14 minutes after turning his ankle. His replacement Manor Solomon looked a few yards off the pace, having only recently returned from injury. It remains to be seen whether the gaffer reshuffles the front line with Wilfred Gnonto switching to the left wing, and bringing Dan James back to the right.
Cameron Pring, Rob Atkinson, Ayman Benarous and Robert Dickie are all rated highly doubtful for the hosts, whilst Joe Williams serves a one match ban. Manager Liam Manning will have to dig deep to come up with suitable replacements.
The Subhuman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:06 pm
I'd go Schmidt, neither Byram nor Schmidt are left wing backs but both can play there. We know what we get with Byram, we need to blood Schmidt.
I agree.
We need to get a good look at Schmidt to see what he can do. Perhaps 60-70 minutes and then bring on Byram.
The flowers of common sense do not grow in everyone's garden
The Subhuman wrote: ↑Thu Oct 24, 2024 10:06 pm
I'd go Schmidt, neither Byram nor Schmidt are left wing backs but both can play there. We know what we get with Byram, we need to blood Schmidt.
Don’t disagree, but I’d be surprised if it’s not Byram who starts.
Don’t cry because you said goodbye to your pet, smile because you said hello
Can't agree with the clamour to start Schmidt as it would make more sense to start Byram and then maybe give our new player15/20 mins towards the end. Plus as mentioned yesterday Schmidt has yet to feature as a full back for us so we don't really know how Farke sees him as a player.
Jammy 07 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2024 8:23 am
Can't agree with the clamour to start Schmidt as it would make more sense to start Byram and then maybe give our new player15/20 mins towards the end. Plus as mentioned yesterday Schmidt has yet to feature as a full back for us so we don't really know how Farke sees him as a player.
Only me clamouring tbf. Just makes sense to me though..
"A mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work if it's not open"
The Subhuman wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2024 8:44 am
Training ain't playing .... are you saying Farke doesn't rate Schmidt?
No not at all.
Just think Farke is taking his time and letting Schmidt settle in to a different way of playing. So far in his cameos he's looked lively but possibly a little green having not played in the Championship before. Farke is also protecting the player a little as he knows how harsh our fans can be if things don't go perfectly.
Morning , firstly safe journey to all those travelling down tomorrow , hopefully we’ll see a good game of football.
Sure most of you are aware but our manager Liam. Manning’s newborn son Theo sadly passed away. The supporters of City have done a fundraiser and plan to hold a heartfelt tribute to Theo with any excess proceeds going to a charity of the Manning’s choice.
Thank you for reading and tomorrow please join us in sending and support to the Manning family and all others who have experienced such awful heartbreak.
Jammy 07 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2024 8:50 am
No not at all.
Just think Farke is taking his time and letting Schmidt settle in to a different way of playing. So far in his cameos he's looked lively but possibly a little green having not played in the Championship before. Farke is also protecting the player a little as he knows how harsh our fans can be if things don't go perfectly.
Lufc have more than their fair share of stupid fans.
I struggle to see what the current manager as done wrong at all.
Everything is commonsense, even to those that either can't see it, or simply refuse.
Even on the training ground you are playing against fellow professionals, fighting to play.
We know how tough the Championship is, Byram is familiar, Schmidt is becoming accustomed.
I myself would love to see Schmidt start, but i trust the managers instinct and eye.
On a sidenote:
Piroe is now 25 btw, has he played for Holland many times?
Perhaps it's not just our manager that can't manage the ex LB and LMidfielder.
He hit a rich vein of form/luck at Swansea for a short period, i don't feel it's our managers fault he has never replicated that to any degree.
At 25yo, the Dutch would be all over him at national level - They aren't.
YorkshireRed wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2024 10:20 am
Morning , firstly safe journey to all those travelling down tomorrow , hopefully we’ll see a good game of football.
Sure most of you are aware but our manager Liam. Manning’s newborn son Theo sadly passed away. The supporters of City have done a fundraiser and plan to hold a heartfelt tribute to Theo with any excess proceeds going to a charity of the Manning’s choice.
Thank you for reading and tomorrow please join us in sending and support to the Manning family and all others who have experienced such awful heartbreak.
Leeds fans are the best when it comes to anything like this.
Only the stupid ones i talk about will ever disrupt it, they tend not to be the away fans.
I'm sure they'll join in your love and support.
I'll be listening out for that, thanks for sharing.
YorkshireRed wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2024 10:20 am
Morning , firstly safe journey to all those travelling down tomorrow , hopefully we’ll see a good game of football.
Sure most of you are aware but our manager Liam. Manning’s newborn son Theo sadly passed away. The supporters of City have done a fundraiser and plan to hold a heartfelt tribute to Theo with any excess proceeds going to a charity of the Manning’s choice.
Thank you for reading and tomorrow please join us in sending and support to the Manning family and all others who have experienced such awful heartbreak.
That was a terrible thing YR, condolences to the Manning family & friends .No doubt you’ll get a good reception from the Leeds fans. Thanks for the post
“ If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise don’t even start “ Charles Bukowski.
We are all pretty happy and pleased it was possible. I spoke about the profile I wanted with the new signing. Always complicated in October, but Josh brings quality in the positions we need. Naturally, a holding midfielder, physical player, concentrated with good defensive skills. Played a to at CB. Adds experience to our side. We could do this in the dressing room.
Further on, a guy who understands his role and, for that, trained in the last few months on his own, in good shape. Totally convinced of overtaking this role, more like an emergency case. Open and honest about what we want to see. A mentor for the younger player.s Helps to develop our younger players and provides cover if a younger player is not ready. This guy won't crack under pressure. Unbelievably guy. Everyone who worked with him was full of praise. He was captain for every team he has played for. That says enough about his character.
Eligible for tomorrow?
Yes. After not training for several months, you cannot be there with 100 per cent, but he is very professional. Spent a few days with us already. Team training.
Last a few weeks until they are at 100 per cent normally for new faces who have been away from team training for months. We had many injuries and it is our professional duty not to be open to plan B, but adapt to this situation. If you are not flexible, you become a dinosaur. We did not want a panic buy.
Did not want to waste money or spend a fortune. had to be patient. Not important he plays many minutes right now. Important he is there as an additional option. Good for the mood and numbers in the squad.
Why not snapped up before now?
He has a proper CV. There is always something about a player when they don't have a club in October. The only thing you could point to would be his age. He is 34. He is also a proud player. Many options in the past, but he could afford to be picky. He has played more than 200 games in Bundesliga and more than 100 in Ligue 1. Seven times with France when they were dominating European football. You have to be a really decent player.
He is a proud player. Wanted a challenge and project. He was picky. It was not about earning money somewhere else off a top level. He was excited by our prospect and by Leeds United. Both sides had to be convinced
Ramazani
Bad news with Ramazani. He twisted his ankle and it's a serious ligament injury. No need for surgery, but out for four to six weeks. The best case is at the end of November. Could last to December depending on rehab.
James ready to start?
Thank God we have him and Manor Solomon back. Each out for a few weeks. Lasts a little bit for them. We have Joffy available too.
Firpo replacement?
Never speak too much about the line-up because my players should be the first to find out. Two options there with Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt. Another training session this afternoon, so we will see.
Sam is experienced and been excellent for us. Issac has new energy. Sam has physicality, heading. Played at CB too. Isaac started as a winger. Offensive minded. They both can do both jobs
Injuries
No time scales. Difficult. Normally, for Ethan, it would be eight to 10 weeks, maybe earlier. Hopeful for this because he was in good condition. Perhaps even earlier. Too soon to judge this. Good path. Never know about setbacks.
Same with Ilia. Definitely not this calendar year. Normally, four months with this injury. Too early to judge. Max, mentioned, ahead of schedule. There is a chance he gets into team training next week, and we will see if he is available before the next break. Expected him after the next break, but could be nin the last week he gets back.
Impressions of the top of the table
Never know how many points you will need. Win as many as possible. Spoken about this several times, every game is important. The start of the season needs to bring a good position. Table made from November to March. Crucial in this league. Need a two-point average and we are there.
Not addicted to the table. Of course, it's nice to be top after a game, but the most important topic is the tally. Must deliver performances.
Guilavogui - process behind the signing?
Pretty complicated. Not our plan to sign anyone in October. If we were interested in him, we would have done it in May or June. You have to be creative when we get these injuries. Our scouts prepare. Have to use your own network of key people because you need to be open to the best solution. First thing was the profile we needed.
Then spoke about the character we want. What they need in accepting their role when our captain comes back. Cold be they will not be in the spotlight in the future. Cannot be greedy. Must know they are a mentor for our young players. Not a coach, he should want to play, but needed experience in our young side.
Checked physical conditions. Wanted someone here affordable. Speak to them about their role and what we expect. Research with former team-mates and managers. We checked a few candidates and options. Had the decision to get him.
Past weeks been key for fringe players to know the door can open?
Of course. More experienced players get this, but this is how pro football works. When you do not get the minutes you want, you need to stay positive and prepared. Not easy to grab the chance. Have to take it. Grab it and stay positive. The best example is our midfielders. Ao and Joe, after joining, had to wait, but now everyone is singing their names and praising them. If you are professional, you have to prepare when the sun is not shining. Good lesson for everyone in the squad.
Archie Gray - any chance you want him back on loan?
My rule: I do not speak about players under contract elsewhere. I have spoken so much about Archie in the past. Reluctant to comment about him. Our fingers are crossed for his whole career. If you want a recommendation, he has my phone number.
Keep it private, what I would recommend, but in general, it's a big challenge when you go to the top six club at the PL level. Always lots of competition. Top-class players in these positions, players signed for incredible money and want to play. A squad of 30 players and just 11 can start. I did not expect an 18yo come from the second tier and take the top six by storm. Fingers crossed for him and for his brother.
Mix of nationalities - challenge of balancing cultures?
Football can be a role model for our society. Not too complicated. We should live together nicely with different passports. Not important. Key to being successful is proper relationships together and spirits. Nothing to do with passports. Different guys and characters although they have the same passport. Sometimes a guy from South America is close to a Scandinavian.
We would not allow Illan and Josh to speak too much in French, for example. Just English in the dressing room. The Irish accent can be difficult and we ask Henry McStay to slow down at times (smiles). British guys can play the foreign guys in training to lift spirits as some fun.
Rob Atkinson (ACL, Hamstring, Groin) & Adam Murphy (Quad) are now available for selection after recovering.
injured players
The other Seven Players * = First Team Regular (5)
*Rob Dickie-CB-Hamstring-2wks
*Haydon Roberts LB/LCB-Hamstring- 2wks
*Cameron Pring LB/LCB-Gashed Ankle) 3wks
*Sam Bell LW/RW-Hamstring- 4 weeks
Ayman Benarous Att Midfield-Hamstring-Late Dec/Jan
Rae Nelson-LW- 3 weeks-Hamstring
*Scott Twine-Quad-2 weeks
and support to the Manning family and all others who have experienced such awful heartbreak.
.No doubt you’ll get a good reception from the Leeds fans. Thanks for the post 
