Mighty Leeds Weblog

SUPER LEEDS Written by: Rob Conlon The nature of supporting Leeds United encourages us to find bad omens. Earning eight points from our opening five games in 2022/23 gave us a 96% chance of avoiding relegation, we were told, which only left us worrying about the remaining 4%. When it comes to being drawn against lower division Cardiff in the FA Cup, you don’t need to be a mathematician to understand the bad juju: we hate going to Cardiff, particularly in the FA Cup. It’s justified pessimism, based on over half a century’s worth of gloom. Between 1956 and 1958, Leeds were drawn away at Cardiff for three consecutive years in the FA Cup third round, losing each tie 2-1. Fast forward to 2002, United were top of the Premier League when they were drawn away at the third-tier side at the same stage of the competition. Naturally, we lost 2-1 again in a game stirred into a violent hysteria by Cardiff’s own chairman Sam Hammam. Our entire club subsequently fell apart. But it doesn’t alwa...

Finance expert Kieran Maguire has been speaking about the potential takeover of Leeds United from the San Francisco 49ers. By Jamie Kemble Finance expert Kieran Maguire has cast doubt on the possible takeover of Leeds United. Reports have claimed that the San Francisco 49ers group could purchase a majority of the Whites, having already upped their shareholding to 44%. Andrea Radrizzani currently holds the majority, but it has been reported that the York Family, who operate under the 49ers brand, could purchase the club as soon as January. But events on the field could cast doubt over the purchase of the club, with Leeds far from guaranteed a season without a relegation dog fight, having only escaped the drop on the final day of last season. Naturally, no buyer will want to buy a club at a Premier League price before watching them drop into the Championship, and according to finance expert Maguire, that could be a major concern. “The 49ers have a good relationship with Andrea ...

Whites chairman Andrea Radrizzani quickly issued a message after seeing two of Leeds United’s players reach the Qatar World Cup last 16. Lee Sobot Leeds duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson are through to the competition’s knockout stages with the USA who sealed a 1-0 victory in Tuesday night’s must-win game against Group B opponents Iran. Adams made his third consecutive World Cup start as US captain whilst Aaronson was brought on at half-time to replace the injured Christian Pulisic who hurt himself after netting what proved the game’s winning goal eight minutes before the break. Adams played a part in the build-up to the winner and both he and Aaronson impressed as Gregg Berhalter’s side jumped above Iran into the group’s second qualification place to go through to the last 16 along with group winners England. However, one late goal for Iran and a draw would have knocked the States out and Berhalter’s outfit had to withstand some anxious late moments, particularly two late Iran ...

Tense confrontation came after US Soccer officials removed Islamic Republic emblem from the Iranian flag Graeme Massie The captain of the US men’s national team has been praised after a journalist rebuked his pronunciation of Iran and asked him about the “discrimination” of Black people in America. Tyler Adams, who has a Black father and white mother, was criticised by the Iranian reporter for calling the country “Eye-ran” and not “Ee-rahn” ahead of the World Cup clash on Tuesday between the countries. He was then asked if he was “okay to be representing a country that has so much discrimination against Black people in its own borders?” The tense confrontation came after US Soccer officials removed the Islamic Republic emblem from the Iranian flag in support of protests over the death of Mahsa Amini. Mr Adams, who plays for Leeds United after joining from Germany’s Red Bull Leipzig, apologised for his mispronunciation and deftly fielded the discrimination question. “There...

Leeds United have a raft of players entering the final six or 18 months of their Elland Road contracts at the turn of the year and Victor Orta needs to shape how this club's next phase looks Transfers are only going to dominate the Leeds United agenda more and more from here on out. With more than four weeks until a return to action and then only two matches until the January window opens, it’s easy to see why attention is on the chance to strengthen this squad. However, Victor Orta’s eyes will also be on the players he already has in the building at Elland Road. With the arrival of 2023 comes not only another window, but the final six or 18 months in several contracts at Leeds. Traditionally, clubs like to ensure nobody they are interested in keeping enters the final year of their deal. With a number of players entering their 30s, it’s an intriguing time as Orta plots the transition of this squad. Joel Robles signed his one-year deal in the summer, so a decision will surel...

By Sean Fisher The 49ers Enterprises could follow other American Premier League investors by pulling out of their Leeds United takeover. The Premier League has seen the ownership groups of both Liverpool and Manchester United put their clubs up for sale in recent weeks. The Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are looking to sell Liverpool after their 12-year ownership [Liverpool Echo], while the Glazers followed up by announcing they are open to offers for the Red Devils. [Sky Sports] Their decision to completely drop their Premier League investment could ring huge alarm bells for the 49ers Enterprises, who have been linked with a full takeover of Leeds United. [The Times] The shareholders – who are closely linked to NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers – have slowly increased their shares in the Yorkshire side over the past few years, always with the intention of eventually taking full ownership. Richard Edwards cited Jordan Kobritz from the State University of New York in his Sunday M...

Leeds United’s Tyler Adams caught the eye of fans, pundits and former internationals alike with his performance for the US Men’s National Team against England. By Graham Smyth For the second game running Adams was the US Man of the Match and he has now covered more distance than any of his compatriots at the tournament, running an incredible 24.89km over the course of games against Wales and England. Adams was appointed captain on the eve of the competition by US head coach Gregg Barhalter and the central midfielder has led by example on the pitch, impressing those who have played the game at international level. Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson was unimpressed with England’s display but was wowed by what Adams did for the opposition. "Clean sheet the only positive for England there,” he said. "Tyler Adams best player on the pitch for me. Put a serious shift in. Leeds have a quality player on their hands.” Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher p...

Leeds United men Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson helped keep the US Men’s National Team World Cup dream alive with a 0-0 draw against England. By Graham Smyth The Group B game ended in a stalemate, despite a number of chances for both sides, and Adams played a starring role again for the Americans. Gregg Barhalter’s captain produced his second impressive performance of the tournament, disrupting England possession and keeping the ball reliably in the centre of midfield. Adams won all of his tackles and aerial duels, passed the ball with an 87 per cent rate of accuracy and made two clearances as he protected Matt Turner's goal and the clean sheet. His pre-game prediction that the American’s pressing style would be important rang true as the underdogs made life difficult for England, yet in possession Adams and his team-mates looked sufficiently fluid and creative, enjoying more of the ball than was perhaps expected. Gareth Southgate was unable to inspire the kind of free-...

A November 8 report that 49ers Enterprises were gearing up for a full Leeds United takeover prompted excitement over a potential new era at Elland Road. By Graham Smyth The club's minority shareholders were said by The Times to have made headway in arranging the necessary finance to buy the club from majority owner Andrea Radrizzani. As is the way in the modern game, the news was greeted with transfer-market related expectations, but what does it actually mean for the January window? Not much at all, really. The timing of The Times article was interesting, given recent and rising fan sentiment that the San Francisco 49ers' financial backers had been quiet in a difficult year for Leeds, and while the story wasn't exactly old news, it simply confirmed what was already known - the Americans are coming. At least that's their plan. In December 2021 The Athletic reported an agreement between the 49ers and Radrizzani that would allow for a full takeover before January ...

All of the latest news on Leeds United’s desire to expand Elland Road. By Molly Burke Leeds United secured promotion to the Premier League back in 2020, leaving it nearly impossible to get your hands on tickets at Elland Road. The club arguably doesn't have a capacity that matches the size of the fanbase and stature of the Whites, with a capacity of 37,792. Elland Road is one of the oldest grounds in the country and it's no surprise talk of an expansion has been brought up time and time again of late. And top-tier survival this season would once again be a huge boost for a potential upgrade. We take a look at Leeds United’s latest expansion plans and how their Premier League status will have an impact. Marathe on Elland Road Speaking to the BBC’s ‘Sports Desk’ podcast, Leeds vice chairman and 49ers chief Paraag Marathe has tentatively discussed his plans for the future, in particular his vision for Elland Road. “I’ll be honest with you the main thing is to protect t...

AWAY GOALS ROOLZ Written by: Rob Conlon Troyes were only formed in 1986, but even before appointing Paddy Kisnorbo as manager in 2022, they’d found time for history with Leeds United. Drawn together in the second round of the 2001/02 UEFA Cup, Troyes manager Alain Perrin described the fixture as “David contre Goliath”, writing in his programme notes, “Leeds are like Everest, and conquering them would be a remarkable exploit.” David O’Leary was warning his players against complacency. Troyes qualified for the tournament after beating Newcastle in one of three finals of a long lost competition I now dream of Leeds being able to compete in, the Intertoto Cup. In the second leg at St James’ Park, Troyes embarrassed the hosts by taking a 4-1 lead. Gary Speed scored to help Newcastle come back to earn a 4-4 draw, but Troyes still qualified on away goals. Leeds went into the first leg at Elland Road off the back of a 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, and were top of the Premier Leag...

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch claimed he didn’t care who won the World Cup but YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth isn’t buying it. By Graham Smyth Jesse Marsch you're a bad liar. Your claim, made prior to the Spurs game, that you did not care who won the World Cup because you were so immersed in club football with Leeds United, was difficult if not impossible to believe when you said it. It jarred, somewhat, not least because it came from the mouth of one who has perhaps told the truth a little too plainly at times over the past nine months. It took just a week or so for the patriotism and World Cup fever to pour forth from him, in a column on the US Men's National Team, for The Athletic. In that piece he stated that the 1994 World Cup in his home country made him dream, and a young US side that includes a pair of his players, in Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, gives him the same feeling. What he didn't state but could be inferred without too much of a s...

The Three Lions hit Iran for six in their tournament opener while the US were held by Wales Phil Blanche Tyler Adams insists the United States are not intimidated by Gareth Southgate’s England. The Three Lions began their World Cup campaign in sparkling style by beating Iran 6-2 in their Group B opener on Monday. England meet the USA next with the Americans going into Friday’s game at the Al Bayt Stadium having shared an opening 1-1 draw with Wales. “We are eager to bounce back and now have the opportunity to do that against a good team,” said USA captain and Leeds midfielder Adams. “We are not intimidated. We know how much quality they have. “I have had the opportunity to play against a lot of them in the Premier League this year but we have a good team as well.” The United States, the second youngest team in Qatar after Ghana, showed their athleticism and energy to dominate the first half against Wales. Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic was a constant danger and produ...

Leeds United will face a battle to hold onto their midfielder in January By Molly Burke Leeds United are looking increasingly unlikely to be able to keep hold of Mateusz Klich in January, according to TEAMtalk. The midfielder is the subject of interest across Europe. Klich has been a fan favourite at Elland Road since joining the club from FC Twente in 2017. The Poland international played a key role in their team under Marcelo Bielsa as they won promotion to the Premier League, however he has since struggled for minutes on the pitch. The 32-year-old has made eleven appearances in the Premier League this season but is yet to earn his first start, with both Marc Roca and Tyler Adams ahead of him in the pecking order. Reports in the summer had revealed that Klich was unhappy with his lack of game time and it looks like things haven’t improved, with it believed that he is now looking to leave Leeds during the January transfer window. Jesse Marsch’s side will face a tough challen...

By George Overhill A judge ruling has Andrea Radrizzani facing a court battle costing £50million which could threaten the Leeds United transfer window, according to Adam Pope. The Whites owner is one of a group of defendants who had asked for their legal case, stemming from the 2016 sale of his sports marketing agency MP & Silva, to be split into three parts due to the high cost of even going through the trial, on the basis that winning the first would render the second and third unnecessary. They are defending all the claims against them in full, but the judge has denied their request to truncate the trial, meaning the Italian faces a major upcoming cost, which BBC journalist Pope is concerned could affect his ability to spend on the club, especially with the ownership situation involving the 49ers as yet unresolved. Speaking on the BBC podcast Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet on Monday (21 November, 11min 30sec) he said: “The defendants are asking for the trial to be put into thr...

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams has spoken of his pride as a young US Men's National Team side took a point from their opening World Cup game against Wales. By Graham Smyth Adams, appointed US captain on the eve of the tournament in Qatar, was a standout performer against the Welsh and had to be in the second half in particular. The US took a first half lead through Tim Weah's fine finish, following good work by Christian Pulisic, but Rob Page's half-time change and the introduction of targetman Kieffer Moore changed the game entirely and led to a difficult second half for Adams' team. Eventually, the Welsh pressure told and Gareth Bale won a penalty that he himself converted to secure a 1-1 draw in Group B. Adams, who along with a number of his team-mates was making his World Cup debut, was upbeat despite the way Wales were able to come back and snatch a result. "That's football in the end," said the Whites summer signing, speaking to Fox ...

Bournemouth have ended their pursuit of former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa after failing to agree terms with the Argentine. By Ben McKenna The Bournemouth Daily Echo report, via Football Insider, that talks have broken down between the parties after the Cherries had offered the job to Bielsa. The 67-year-old from Argentina has been out of work since being sacked by Leeds earlier this year, following a run of four-straight defeats which left the Whites hanging dangerously above the relegation zone. Still largely revered at Elland Road after leading Leeds back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, many United supporters expressed their surprise and upset about the prospect of Bielsa being in the opposition dugout. Bournemouth have been on the lookout for a permanent manager since sacking Scott Parker earlier this season. The ex-England midfielder was dismissed by the Cherries after a 9-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of August. Gary O’Neil, who has been in tem...

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams has discussed a text message exchange he shared with Victor Orta during a USMNT press conference By Joe Donnohue The 23-year-old has revealed that he shares a close relationship with Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta, since joining the club this summer, and that the pair plan to meet up after the United States’ group games at the FIFA World Cup. USMNT international Adams also shared his surprise at the detail of a PowerPoint presentation Orta delivered when attempting to lure him to Leeds in July. "My main point of contact between my agent and Leeds was through Victor,” Adams began. “And he was the one that caught me off-guard with how much they knew about me, the research that they do, giving me a full 30-page PowerPoint presentation of statistics and how I can thrive in the Premier League - and this is why. "He gave me a lot of feedback on my game, where I can continue to improve, where I can have an instant impact and he ...

Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams, 23, 'is set to be named USA captain' ahead of Christian Pulisic and Walker Zimmerman for the World Cup in Qatar after Gregg Berhalter let his team VOTE on who should wear armband Tyler Adams is expected to be formally named captain on Sunday for the USMNT He's worn the captain's armband on nine occasions before for Gregg Berhalter But the midfielder is just 23 years old and it's still a massive responsibility The US kick off their World Cup vs. Wales before facing England and Iran BRAD FRIEDEL: USA's World Cup group is SCARY, and the scariest game is Wales By JACK BEZANTS and JAKE NISSE Tyler Adams is reportedly set to be named as the USA captain for the World Cup in Qatar. The midfielder, 23, is going to be awarded the armband by coach Gregg Berhalter, according to FOX Sports. Their report adds that Berhalter allowed his team to vote on who should take on the captaincy for the tournament and it is Adams who came o...

Daniel James insists he has no regrets over his exit from Leeds United on deadline day as he aims to make an impact for Wales at the Qatar World Cup this month. By Ben McKenna The winger joined Fulham on loan on September 1 having made 40 appearances for Leeds in all competitions, scoring four goals, following his move from Manchester United in the summer of 2021. James has played eight times for the Cottagers since his switch to West London and scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 loss to Man United in the final Premier League match until December 26. Ahead of moving to Fulham, James admitted he had concerns over his game-time at Elland Road and was keen to make sure he would be involved with Wales in Qatar. He said it was “tough” leaving Leeds but feels he made the correct decision in joining Fulham. "It's one of the pinnacles of my career," James told Wales Online about his involvement with his country in Qatar. "I wanted to play games and be fi...

Tyler Adams has given his thoughts ahead of this coming Monday, when his USA side will begin their World Cup campaign. The midfielder is looking forward to the tournament getting underway and representing his nation. First of all, Adams was pleased to hear himself selected in the squad when it was announced, a moment he dreamed about from a young age. “It was a relief to hear your name selected,” the midfield said. “It was a dream come true to watch the roster reveal. I watched the reveal in 2014 when the team was selected and I remember quite vividly that I wanted to be on there. “So to hear your name called, it was a special moment.” The US begin their campaign on Monday evening in Group B, taking on Wales at 7pm UK time. Adams knows the importance of a good start and has summarised his thoughts on the tournament as a whole. He said: “I think our mentality going into the tournament is that you have to look at the World Cup as two completely different tournaments. The P...

Leeds United forward Rodrigo has scored nine goals in 13 league appearances this season, already his best tally in a Premier League campaign By Joe Donnohue Rodrigo’s first season at Elland Road was plagued by Covid and a succession of small injuries which robbed him of continuity and form. The Spain international, whose signing was perceived by many to challenge for the No. 9 shirt in Marcelo Bielsa’s single-striker system, struggled to oust one-cap England man Patrick Bamford. In truth, the 31-year-old has appeared an awkward fit at centre-forward throughout his time at Leeds, not quite fulfilling the same off-ball brief as Bamford, whilst never proving a prolific goal threat, until this season that is. Nine goals in 13 league appearances, including five in his last four appearances has – for the time being, at least – seemingly resolved Leeds’ persistent problem at the spear-tip of Jesse Marsch’s attack. Only three players have scored more Premier League goals than the Spani...

Leeds United assistant coach René Marić says he ‘probably won’t watch a single game’ at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar By Joe Donnohue Jesse Marsch’s assistant coach has outlined his stance on the World Cup in Qatar this month, divulging his thoughts on social media site Twitter in an exchange with a former colleague. The Austrian replied to a conversation regarding popular football tactics blog Spielverlagerung, which he helped establish whilst studying and in his early roles within football clubs. "I think it’s good that we [Spielverlagerung] don’t benefit from *this* World Cup with a preview,” Marić began. “I wouldn’t have wanted to do that anyway. I probably won’t watch a single game anyway and won’t read a (football-related) report about it. So, it’s okay.” This year’s World Cup in Qatar has been scrutinised by football federations and human rights groups over the deaths of migrant workers in the construction of stadia set to host the tournament next week, as well a...