Leeds United’s performance against Middlesbrough was perhaps the worst of Daniel Farke’s managerial career.
The Whites were defeated 3-0 at Elland Road by their Championship opponents in the first round of the Carabao Cup, in a concerning performance.
Leeds have now conceded six goals in their first two games, extending their terrible defensive start to the 2023/24 season.
Farke made eight changes to the team that drew with Portsmouth over the weekend, and aside from a lively first ten minutes, the performance was disjointed.
Joe Rodon and Max Wober did not work well together as a centre-back pairing, and the completely different front four were similarly ineffective and slow.
Aidy White recommends Joe Gelhardt’s loan
This result should send a clear message to the 49ers that their roster is simply insufficient in size and quality, and that signings are urgently required.
Leeds played without any recognised wingers after Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto were dropped to the bench, highlighting the team’s lack of depth.
Brenden Aaronson and Joe Gelhardt were both brilliant at times, but nothing really clicked for them, and it’s unlikely that they’ll be in the starting XI soon.
In fact, speaking post-match on BBC Radio Leeds, Aidy White believes that the once-‘magic’ Gelhardt’s performance demonstrates that he should go out on loan and play regularly.
He stated: “I believe it would be a case of accepting offers or bringing a player in on loan and then enabling him to take out another loan. I believe that would fit him because he requires minutes and is a quality player, as we have seen in spells.
“When you are a young player and game time is discussed, it is difficult to develop form and confidence. His goal was clear early on; he wanted to press and pursue it, but it did not come his way.
“As the game progressed, he became exhausted, but it’s difficult for a young player to be in that position. He probably needs to find something, and based on tonight’s performance, he’s unlikely to make the starting lineup at Leeds.”
Jermaine Beckford discusses the initial Leeds reaction.
Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford was a commentator for Sky Sports for yesterday night’s game, and he was asked to provide his first reaction to the performance.
Beckford was taken aback by Leeds’ defensive performance, but he is not unduly concerned at the start of the season.
He stated, “It was disappointing that Leeds could not do what Middlesbrough did and could not cause any damage.” Leeds made five changes prior to the third goal, but there is no justification for not marking runners.
“Frustrated. Based on what Daniel Farke accomplishes with his teams, he keeps them well-organized and does not allow too many opportunities. Seventeen chances. Ridiculous, given his previous work, are you worried? No.
