Paul Merson fears pitch problems could cost Leeds after more slip-ups
Paul Merson has become the latest public figure to slam the new Leeds United turf following Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Southampton.
The Whites dismantled the south-coast side but despite the sensational displays of Raphinha and Stuart Dallas, the Elland Road pitch was still one of the biggest topics of discussion come the end of the game.
The game was on the verge of descending into a farce in the first-half with plenty of players losing their footing and Sky Sports pundit Merson could not believe what he saw.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday Build-up Show [12:30pm, 27/02/21], Merson was appalled by the state of the pitch, saying: “I felt uncomfortable if I’m being honest, they play at such a tempo they are 100 miles an hour, they want to play at pace and move the ball quickly.
“People were just falling over not near people and just slipping over.
“Especially in this day and age with their studs, a lot of them are wearing little blades and all of that, it’s not like the big massive aluminium studs.”
Merson fears it could prove to be the Whites’ undoing, adding: “For me I thought it was uncomfortable and that could affect them you know, that could affect them.
“It’s a new pitch but they’ll probably have to go again now.”
Amateur hour
He has been quite diplomatic over the situation but inside Bielsa must be fuming at how events have unfolded.
This is our first season back in the big time after 16 long years but the amateurish pitch has been a rare stain on the season.
Bielsa shapes his defensive set-up on the ability to run at pace and close opponents down but this is being affected by the slippery nature of the pitch.
It does no favours for the attackers either as the fleet-footed Raphinha will attest to, making it difficult to make runs in behind.
Quite how it can be fixed before the end of the season is a mystery but we think Bielsa will be placing some fierce summer demands on the groundsmen ahead of next season’s start.
To be fair to Leeds and to the groundsmen, this is a situation not of their making.
The whole pitch system was due to be replaced last summer but the Covid pandemic meant that was impossible.
Leeds have thrown money at the problem – £300k on a new pitch and whatever it cost to fit.
It is a problem, though, and we hope it beds in better with some nicer spring weather.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay thinks 29y/o could be set for Elland Road exit.