Rodon admits what happened this week could be bad news for Leeds United
Joe Rodon has admitted Oxford United parting ways with head coach Des Buckingham will make matters harder for Leeds United this weekend.
The Us – promoted from League One at the end of last season – lost Buckingham earlier this week and will make the trip to Elland Road for their first match after his departure [21 December].
Rodon, speaking alongside in-form compatriot Dan James to BBC Radio Leeds [18 December], concedes the challenge could become more difficult with the visitors potentially raising their performance.
“I think you have to be aware of everything the opposition will bring to you,” the defender said.
“I think that will make it even more difficult for us as they could come at us firing, as every team does when they come to Elland Road.
“But we won’t change anything, all we can do is work hard and prepare for Oxford.”
Leeds United face an Oxford side undergoing change
Leeds United have been excellent at home this season and will be looking to continue that run against an Oxford side currently shrouded in managerial uncertainty.
This could change before Saturday’s contest in West Yorkshire but as Rodon says, the Whites must focus on themselves because with both sides performing at their best, Leeds will take the three points.
The pressure is now beginning to build as the festive period takes over, with a demanding schedule of games on a relatively small squad for Daniel Farke, who will be eyeing new targets across January.
Leeds’ last-gasp draw at Preston North End last Saturday [14 December] proved enough to remain inside the automatic promotion spots, though Sheffield United currently lead the way.
The hosting of Oxford will wrap up football on home soil for 2024, as trips to the Midlands to take on Stoke City [26 December] and Derby County [29 December] round off the calendar year.
In other Leeds news, Patrick Bamford could quit Elland Road following developments in Italy.
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