Phil Hay baffled by problems new pitch is causing Leeds
Leeds United have been handicapped by their poor pitch in recent weeks but Phil Hay says it is a problem that will persist for a little while longer.
The turf was relaid at Elland Road last month and since then many players have struggled to keep their footing.
Perhaps Leeds are coping with it better than their opponents – they’ve won two of the three games on the new pitch.
In a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay wrote, “The pitch acting like an ice rink is all a bit baffling.
“There’s no point trying to deny that the pitch is not a worry. The trouble is, there’s nothing more they can do about it now.
“They need to get to the summer and dig up the whole thing. That’s the only proper solution.”
Adaptability
It is a testament to the squad that we have still been able to play some thrilling football, despite a pitch that was described by Patrick Bamford as a Winter Wonderland.
Patrick Bamford revealed he needed to change his studs at half-time against Crystal Palace – that is how big a problem it is.
The striker also said his teammates adjusted their style of play to suit the surface against Southampton.
He spoke about moving the ball up the pitch quickly in order to prevent the possibility of making mistakes at the back.
It worked a treat, too, as all three goals came in the second half.
We played some wonderful football and that just goes to show how effective and adaptable our style is.
Marcelo Bielsa’s system can adjust to even the most difficult conditions and that certainly bodes well for the future.
In the summer a big rebuild is certainly needed – on and off the pitch.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Pointless’ – Premier League star makes claim about Leeds big-money summer signing.