Gary Lineker quickly reacts as Micah Richards now ‘really worried’ for Leeds United
Michah Richards has admitted he is “really worried” about Leeds United’s survival chances after another defeat this week.
The Whites lost 1-0 to Sunderland at Elland Road on Tuesday thanks to Habib Diarra’s second-half penalty, but they were ultimately undone by their lack of quality in the final third.
Daniel Farke was bitterly disappointed with the result, and that was made a lot worse when West Ham beat Fulham, and Nottingham Forest drew with Man City on Wednesday.
Although Spurs lost to Crystal Palace on Thursday, only three points separate Leeds in 15th and the Hammers in 18th, which has left Richards incredibly worried about their long-term future in the top flight.
However, Gary Lineker assured him that he shouldn’t be too nervous when it comes to the Whites.
Gary Lineker makes new Leeds relegation prediction
The good news for Leeds is that they have a fairly favourable run of fixtures for the rest of the season.
However, they still have to play both Tottenham and West Ham away from home, and losses to their relegation rivals could prove to be disastrous.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast on Wednesday, Richards couldn’t help but express his concern over Leeds’ recent results.
He said: “I’m starting to worry for my hometown team, Leeds. They’re playing well and getting into good positions, but they’re not finishing chances well. Come on Leeds, I’m starting to get really worried now.”
However, Lineker replied: “I think they’ll be alright, but the form of West Ham has dragged so many teams into it.”
Ultimately, Farke has the players he needs to achieve survival, but the relegation battle will definitely go down to the wire, and it’s up to the German head coach to handle the pressure.
Why have Leeds dropped off in recent weeks?
After the Whites beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 on 6 February, there was real optimism that they could pull well clear of the drop zone.
However, they’ve faced Aston Villa, Chelsea and Man City since then, which has been incredibly damaging to their form.
But more importantly, they’ve looked lacklustre in the final third, and it could be down to the fact that Farke is playing Dominic Calvert-Lewin on his own up front.
If Lukas Nmecha were to play alongside him, then he wouldn’t be so isolated, and it’s definitely been a baffling tactical change that hasn’t paid off.
Leeds do still have Wolves and Burnley to play at home, but they’ll need to drastically improve their attacking play if they wish to secure the wins they need to secure Premier League survival.
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