Leeds United kicked off their season with a win away to Nottingham Forest. The club’s intense approach to pre-season seems to have paid off with that performance.
But the showing at the City Ground on Saturday provided more questions than answers.
Leeds lacked any attacking spark, and were outnumbered in transition for large stretches of the game.
The team seemed to be missing real quality to break down the opponent. Their only goal came from a moment of brilliance, as Anton Stach beat the keeper with a free kick from long range.
After the game, Forest boss Oliver Glasner even admitted that the away side lacked something.
Daniel Farke sends transfer message to the 49ers
With just over a week in the transfer window, Leeds United still have a few things to sort out.
We learnt last week that the club are aiming to add a backup goalkeeper, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Michael Zetterer on the radar. Chelsea have also ended talks over a move for Mykhailo Mudryk.
But the Whites are still in the market for an attacker.
Daniel Farke spoke bluntly in Monday’s press conference, saying that the club is working with ‘limits’.
”[We] want to give this club the best possible squad. Until last second we stay awake. Work with limited resources, not over-spending.
”I’m pretty happy with our business but not like we’ve spent like other clubs. Want to make sure finances are in the right place for many positive years to come. Of course ambitious but has to make sense. If there is a possibility we would like to add.”
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Leeds boss right to point out message
After surviving the Premier League, most clubs would not have just four signings in the following window.
Farke already warned the ownership of this near the end of last season, referencing Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side that won promotion in 2020. They barely added quality after their first season, and it cost them in the following campaigns.
Bringing in James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson is very good business.
But with the ambition the 49ers have, the coach and fans should rightfully be demanding more in this transfer window.
Leeds are working on other deals with just over a week left, but the sentiment around the club is that they are comfortable with the business done so far.
Bit strange now cant manage to sign the finishing touches, first game showed those exact weaknesses, and can see Leeds struggling! 🙈