Leeds United's pivotal week about more than victory as transfer inactivity takes a toll — Leeds Live 19/8/24
Leeds United's board and manager face a crucial five days to turn the current mood around
The traditional frantic opening week of the new football
season with its three games and revolving line-ups is now behind us, as Leeds
United manager Daniel Farke enjoys an often overlooked luxury in the
Championship of having a number of uninterrupted days to prepare his side for
their next encounter.
A trip to a Sheffield Wednesday side torn apart by
Sunderland in a surprising first-half yesterday is the test that awaits Farke's
men. Winless after two league games and already out of the Carabao Cup, Leeds
need three points as the ghosts of last season's early weeks of the campaign
return to haunt them.
Three points would certainly aid the complexion of the
league table, even if it's embryonic formation is of less concern right now. It
will also bring some respite for a group of supporters who began to show their
displeasure at The Hawthorns with the style of play on show from Leeds.
Given the vast number of players who have departed this
summer, and the quality too in the likes of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville
and Luis Sinisterra, Leeds' spluttering performances could maybe be expected,
but not forgiven, it seems. The Whites have not added to their squad for the
best part of a month and despite the clear gaps on show and lack of depth in
areas, just 11 days of the window remain to address the issues.
That's a frustration for many, that an obvious issue has
been left so long in the window to be addressed with results already impacted
and confidence looking somewhat fragile. A slow start last season ultimately
cost Leeds as they ran out of steam late in the season after working so hard to
be in the title and promotion race. A similar outcome this year will be
unforgiveable.
And so to the week ahead. Leeds need a signing. Given a
Friday night game awaits it's unlikely the Whites will have anyone through the
door in suitable time for them to play on Friday night, let alone start, but a
new recruit feels needed to settle nerves around the window as much as anything
else.
Apprehension needs to give way to anticipation and
excitement once again, and nothing aids that cause than new face or two added
to a squad. The game at the Owls has already taken on extra significance with a
good display and a win needed to placate some, but the importance of the week
ahead goes beyond three Championship points, with off the field movement just
as important.