Graeme Souness criticises Elland Road pitch
Graeme Souness was very critical of the Elland Road pitch when Leeds United took on Southampton.
It is an issue that has plagued the Whites all season, and the recent change in surface seems to have produced different problems.
Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchliffe noted that players were having to take big clumps of turf out of their boots.
Souness said on Sky Sports’ coverage, “The pitch is an absolute disaster tonight and there are going to be some very sore groins tonight.
“You know, they just can’t stop. It’s super difficult for them to get the ball moving quickly.”
Not good but all we’ve got
The fact the pitch is still causing problems is really unfortunate – Leeds spent £300,000 on the new surface after not being able to do the whole refit over the summer because of the Covid pandemic.
We have had to cope with a sub-standard surface all season, and we are thankful a repair job is set for the summer, according to The Athletic.
In January we did replace the surface with a new hybrid pitch, but it’s struggling to bed in after some very bad weather.
Fortunately, we are still able to play our usual game, with the first goal against Southampton seeing us move the ball from back to front in a fluid move.
Despite that, Andrea Radrizzani must not spare any expense when replacing the pitch in the summer.
It is time this issue was put firmly behind us as it is a source of embarrassment at present.
The players do not deserve it either given how well they have performed this season.
In other Leeds United news, ‘By the end of the week’: Exclusive – Paul Robinson makes big Leeds United claim.