Leeds fans: Journalist hits back at ‘delusion’ claims amid Elland Road meltdown
Leeds United slipped further down the Championship table after a 1-1 draw with Luton Town on Saturday.
Although they were previously in pole position, a recent run of bad form has caught up with the Whites and they now sit third in the league, not in an automatic promotion place.
After drawing with 23rd-placed Luton, it’s no surprise that there are some nerves in West Yorkshire with concerns that Leeds could throw away promotion again.
Leeds supporters face delusion claims
Leeds have made no secret of the fact that promotion to the Premier League is the only aim this season.
While that can be achieved automatically and through the play-offs, the Yorkshire side’s previous play-off outings suggest that is not the route they would like to go down.
Given the owners have backed Daniel Farke financially to create a squad that should be capable of gaining promotion, it’s not a shock that supporters are starting to panic somewhat.
However, it has been claimed that those in the stands at Elland Road should be reigning in their expectations and setting the bar lower.
Chris Dunlavy has hit back at this claim though as he wrote in the Football League Paper (6 April, page 7): “There are those who would argue that Leeds and their supporters are deluded, and burdening their team with unnecessary expectations. Others that experienced international players should show more resilience and character.
“Ultimately, though, any big club with a record of success is exactly the same. Somehow, Farke and his players must get the blinkers on and find a way to focus on the opponents they can fight – not the one they can’t.”
Farke has to raise Leeds standards
Given just how well Leeds have done throughout the season so far, they are allowed to have a dip in form.
However, the concern in West Yorkshire is that this is going to prove to be more than just a dip with the Whites looking as though they are stuck in a rut currently.
Supporters at Elland Road certainly do have high expectations, and why shouldn’t they? Historically, the West Yorkshire outfit has been a side that competes in the top league and that’s what they want to see again.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Burnley | 1 | 43 | 84 |
| Sheffield United | 2 | 26 | 83 |
| Leeds United | 3 | 51 | 82 |
On top of this, the backing the manager has had from upstairs has provided a squad of players who have proven they can produce the levels required, but seem unable to hold the consistency until the end of the campaign.
The race for Championship promotion is incredibly tight so Leeds aren’t out of it yet but they must aim for the automatic places if they want success this term.
If Farke fails to meet the challenge set, he could well be set for the axe while Leeds ponder where to turn to next.