According to Ian Darke, if Leeds United fail to achieve promotion this season, they will be disappointed that they did not add more squad depth.
In an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News, the TV commentator explored the complexities of the winter transfer market for the Whites, who currently top the Championship.
Daniel Farke gave several of his periphery players a chance on Saturday (8 February), but they were defeated 2-0 at Elland Road by Millwall in the FA Cup fourth round.
Darke believes Leeds United must demonstrate overall squad quality.
Farke made sweeping changes for Saturday’s cup departure, with just Ethan Ampadu keeping his starting spot from the midweek triumph over Coventry City to keep Leeds at the top of the league.
It was a squandered chance for several players who had knocked on the manager’s door seeking further opportunities.
It is widely thought that Farke will revert to form in some tough forthcoming Championship games, but there may be a recruitment inquiry if promotion fails again this season.
“I think Leeds have been going along fine with what they’ve got – I said they didn’t really need Cameron Archer – but a little bit of cover for someone like Piroe may not have been the worst idea, only if they could get some quality in,” Darke told the BBC.
“That type of insurance is important because you want solid squad depth. Leeds will face Sunderland, Sheffield United, and West Bromwich Albion in quick succession, and they must maintain their quality throughout the group.
“If they don’t go up, there’ll be an inquest into a lot of aspects including their transfer recruitment, but I still think they’re the best team in the division.”
Leeds must continue their league form.
While Leeds’ second string struggled over the weekend, the first-choice side must continue to justify their selection when they face Watford on Tuesday night (February 11).
The three aforementioned potential deciders come next, with little room for error; if Farke’s squad wins the majority of the following four, they will have made their greatest step yet toward the Premier League.
With the division’s finest attacking output and a defensive record only surpassed by Burnley, Leeds appear to be in pole position, but Farke may be reconsidering how much he can rely on his benchwarmers, with Paraag Marathe watching with anticipation.
