One football commentator says Leeds United are playing with fire for trying to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. However, the decision could work out for them to earn promotion to the Premier League.
The Championship is a long and grueling season, so each team needs to have the depth to ensure they have enough players to withstand any injuries. Nonetheless, the Whites are taking a different approach to this.
Leeds currently have a 23-man squad, the smallest in the Championship this season. The experienced Man City manager has mentioned before that he prefers to avoid a bloated roster.
Will lack of depth hurt Leeds United this season?
TNT Sports commentator Ian Darke touched on that while highlighting the positives of Farke’s risky situation, noting that it could fall apart if injuries happen. It’s a significant gamble for the gaffer, but one that Drake sees the pros and cons.
“You are playing a little bit of a dangerous game with 23, but the other argument is that it’s easier to keep a smaller squad happy,” Drake told MOT Leeds News.
“Pep Guardiola says he prefers working with a smaller squad, and with Leeds United they still have a lot of quality despite losing some of their better players in the summer.
“Everybody’s involved nearly every weekend, and everyone’s in on the project – that’s the advantage Daniel Farke has without too many players necessarily to pick from. I still expect them to be challenging right up near the top with the players they have.”
Leeds are already dealing with injuries to their squad as Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon is doubtful for the match this weekend against Cardiff City.
Solomon has featured in two Championship games for Leeds since arriving in late August. The 25-year-old has been playing on the left wing and has already contributed an assist during his time at Elland Road.
However, according to the BBC’s Adam Pope, Solomon’s availability for this crucial away match is uncertain as Leeds look to secure a win and climb back into the top six.
“Leeds United winger Manor Solomon is the major injury doubt with a back problem ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture at Cardiff City,” Pope wrote on X Thursday. “Patrick Bamford expected to be involved.”
