Raphinha issues message and sets target after difficulty led to substitution against West Ham - YEP 26/9/21

-


Star winger Raphinha has issued an upbeat message after his withdrawal against West Ham, which was followed by late Leeds United heartache at Elland Road.

By Lee Sobot

Brazilian ace Raphinha fired United into a 19th-minute lead in Saturday's Premier League clash against the Hammers but the visitors equalised as a Jarrod Bowen strike deflected in off Junior Firpo in the 67th minute.

Raphinha was then substituted two minutes later after indicating to the Whites bench that it was becoming difficult for him to continue, having only just recovered from a hip injury suffered in last Friday's 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.

It meant Raphinha was once again taken off against the Hammers, replaced by Tyler Roberts, and Raphinha then looked on as Leeds suffered late heartache via West Ham's Michail Antonio bagging a 90th-minute winner.

The defeat left Leeds third bottom and still seeking their first win of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign.

The Whites are now in the division's drop zone after six games played but both Raphinha and goalkeeper Illan Meslier have issued positive messages ahead of next Saturday's visit of 11th-placed Watford to Elland Road.

Writing on his Instagram page, Raphinha said: "We fight, but the result was not what we expected. Now we already focus on the next game."

Also writing on social media, Meslier said: "Disappointed with how yesterday ended but it's coming. We are Leeds."

Asked why Raphinha had been taken off against the Hammers, Whites head coach Bielsa said: "He let us know that it was becoming difficult to stay on the pitch.

"Throughout the whole week he was recovering from the knock he received against Newcastle.

"And he played a great game as long as he could stay on the field."

Popular posts from this blog

The huge initial fee Leeds are set to receive for Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham — Leeds United News 31/7/24

-
Will Butcher West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, and Ben Jacobs has shared how much Leeds will receive for the Dutchman. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with the Elland Road exit door all summer and was targeted as the one big sale Leeds needed to make before the Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline this month. But instead, Leeds sold Archie Gray for £40m to Tottenham. Leeds have since sold five more players in the form of Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Kris Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell – raking in around £60m in total. But more exits were always likely and Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday afternoon that West Ham had agreed personal terms with Summerville, and talks for a fee were ongoing with the Yorkshire side. Now, the story has moved on with multiple sources claiming a deal is done between Leeds and Angus Kinnear’s old club. The Dutchman is expected to sign a five-year at the London Stadium, until Jun...
Read more

Leeds United board break silence after transfer window with statement on upcoming Elland Road development — YEP 2/9/24

-
By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed supporters' commemorative stones at Elland Road's Centenary Square will be replaced free of charge in a bid to improve their longevity. Beginning next month, Leeds supporters' personalised stones will be replaced with exact replicas, courtesy of a new company, to ensure of a 'much better quality' installation. The work is expected to take around two months to complete. An official club statement confirmed 'three larger stones dedicated to former managers Don Revie, Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa' will also be installed, 'similar to those located in Bremner Square', while additional space for supporters to purchase new stones has also been factored into the project. “The club have taken on board recent feedback from supporters on the stones at Centenary Square, and we are really happy that we can now announce that all of the stones will be replaced," chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed,...
Read more

Leeds United transfer state of play as Whites knock back low bid and assert wing pair stance — YEP 3/7/24

-
By Graham Smyth Leeds United are not actively looking to cash in on Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto and believe any further outgoing transfer business will be done on their terms. The Whites, who sold Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday for £40m, expect that there will be continued interest in wing pair Summerville and Gnonto as the summer transfer window progresses. Summerville has been a target for Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion but their interest has not yet materialised into a bid. The Albion did, however, send a £30m proposal for Georginio Rutter, which Elland Road chiefs rejected. Rutter is not expected to try and force an exit this summer and appears settled at Leeds after a far more positive second season in English football. The sale of Gray has helped put Leeds into a position where they do not need to sell star players and can dictate any moves that do happen. Club sources say they are not actively looking to sell the likes of Summerville o...
Read more