Man City 3 Leeds United 2: Lee Sobot's Video Verdict
The latest news from Elland Road as Leeds United prepare to face Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool over the coming days.
Many had suspected the Whites could be on the end of a heavy defeat at the Etihad Stadium and any lingering fears were heightened when first-half goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol put Pep Guardiola’s side firmly in control by the time the half-time whistle was blown. However, Leeds roared back into the contest in the early stages of the second-half with a goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin before Lukas Nmecha grabbed an equaliser with just over 20 minutes remaining.
There was to be late heartache for Farke and his players as Foden dealt a decisive blow when he doubled his tally for the day and handed the points to his side in the second minute of injury-time - and that was enough to leave Leeds sitting in the Premier League relegation zone ahead of home games with Chelsea and Liverpool. The loss at the Etihad also provoked further questions over Farke’s future at Elland Road and there are two new names said to be in the discussion over who could succeed the current Whites boss if he was to depart over the coming weeks.
teamTALK have claimed the Whites could take advantage of their strong links with Red Bull after a ‘recommendation’ for a possible successor to Farke was made to the Whites hierarchy. They have suggested former RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg assistant manager Zsolt Low has been put to Leeds after spending a large part of the last decade as part of the Red Bull setup.
The 25-times capped former Hungary international has worked alongside the likes of Ralf Rangnick, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Thomas Tuchel during his career - although his only experience in the lead role in the dugout came during a spell as interim head coach of RB Leipzig during the final two months of last season.
However, Football Insider have also reported former Wolves and Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil is ‘in the frame’ to take charge at Elland Road and his top flight experience is said to have made him an ‘appealing option’ for the 49ers Enterprises. The report also reveals ‘several other names’ are interested in the position should Farke leave his role with the Whites over the coming weeks.
Leeds compared to La Liga giants
Enzo Maresca accepted the red card shown to Moises Caicedo.placeholder image
Enzo Maresca accepted the red card shown to Moises Caicedo. | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea have been warned of the threat they will face when they visit Leeds United on Wednesday night.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca is currently preparing his players for their latest attempt to build on promising performances in a Champions League win over La Liga champions Barcelona and a battling draw against current Premier League leaders and title favourites Arsenal.
The Italian stressed the midweek trip to Elland Road and Saturday’s visit to Bournemouth will provide a difficult test for his squad as he assessed the challenges his players have faced over the last week.
He told Football London: “I think Leeds and Bournemouth, both games, especially away, are difficult for any team. They will be different compared to Barcelona and Arsenal. We need to be ready. It’s probably also the way the other teams try to defend against us. When they just sit back, there is not much space to cover in terms of space in behind. So it depends on how the other teams set up.”
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