Leeds stars accusation made as Illan Meslier singled out yet again
Leeds United have now suffered the stark reality of their latest end-of-season dip in form, falling out of the promotion positions having spent months top of the Championship.
Burnley and Sheffield United now sit above the Whites in a reshuffling of the top trio, Scott Parker’s side the big winners as Leeds were held to yet another draw – this time by Luton Town (5 April) – and Chris Wilder’s men lost at Oxford United.
Daniel Farke made several changes which reflected recent demands from many supporters, as Illan Meslier and Brenden Aaronson were both dropped.
Leeds United must ‘share accountability’
Leeds are in a rut at the precise time they can ill afford it, and it’s an all-too-familiar feeling for the supporters.
Fingers of blame have been pointed in various directions, including towards Meslier, who made way for Karl Darlow at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
TV commentator and expert analyst Ian Darke exclusively told MOT Leeds News that the accountability must be shared, and not all tilted towards certain individuals – using Meslier as the prime example, though acknowledging Farke would be making the right decision to drop him.
“They’re facing a lot of demons from last season, Leeds, that they shouldn’t get themselves in the situation to face,” Darke said.
“It’s a mentality thing. They need to show more character than they are, and believe in their quality. Players need accountability – it’s not just Meslier for example, there are several players at fault for the errors costing them.
“They just have to hope they can get back on track – six games offer more football than you’d think. Luton was never going to be an easy game – they’ve turned a bit of a corner – and Leeds know it’s never going to be plain sailing. But I do think they should have enough to get themselves back in the right position.”
Middlesbrough provide tricky test on Tuesday
Leeds have to immediately turn their focus to another away trip – albeit a shorter journey – to face Middlesbrough, who have just broken into the play-off places.
While there are 22 points separating the two sides, they are currently on track to achieve the same fate – having to earn a Premier League return the difficult way.
| Date | Leeds United – final six fixtures |
| 8 April | Middlesbrough (A) |
| 12 April | Preston (H) |
| 18 April | Oxford (A) |
| 21 April | Stoke (H) |
| 28 April | Bristol City (H) |
| 3 May | Plymouth (A) |
Afterwards, Preston North End visit Elland Road – and if there’s one thing the Swansea City draw in the last home outing taught them (29 March), it’s not to take any Championship test lightly.