Leeds United will welcome Norwich City at Elland Road on Thursday in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final, with an interesting problem for the managers only four days after the first match.
In Sunday’s draw, Daniel Farke praised the fluidity of Leeds United’s attacking play, led by Georginio Rutter, against Norwich City’s tall and powerful defenders. The German will be aware that David Wagner can read his post-match comments, but unless Thursday’s visitors pump agility serum into their centre-backs, they will have little control over the movement.
That is, of course, unless the Canaries commit to a low block, limiting space behind their backline. Sitting off Leeds will give their hosts plenty of time and possession to plan their plans, while Norwich will search for opportunities to respond.
Rutter has not scored or assisted since his hernia surgery during the March international break. A position move on Sunday did not much improve his performance on the pitch, but Farke’s comments regarding mobility and pace suggest the Frenchman may keep his starting spot at Elland Road.
“We wanted to be flexible,” explained Farke. “Sometimes Georgi Rutter [is a] bit like a false nine to allow them to change positions because it’s one of our strengths, our mobility, our pace.”
Shane Duffy, who was cautioned for removing Crysencio Summerville on Sunday, and Ben Gibson are expected to remain in central defence. Wagner’s alternate is Grant Hanley, who is similarly physical and experienced.
Farke must determine if Joel Piroe or, as some supporters prefer, Mateo Joseph are better options in the centre given Rutter’s dismal form.
“Especially once you play [against] such a physical and tall back four, you have to invest in movements and I encourage them to do this even more,” he stated. “The more confidence we gained by having more control over the game, the more fluid we were, and I really enjoyed the second half.
“Yes, I would have liked it more if we would have brought the ball into this rectangle, but, overall, second half, the approach was quite good.”
