US pundit gets into Twitter war with Leeds United fans as ridiculous opinion shared

Wed 1 February 2023 15:01, UK

American pundit Alexi Lalas has landed himself in a Twitter war with Leeds United fans after he claimed the Whites will be the most watched team for US soccer fans simply because of the American players at Elland Road.

The late January deal for Weston McKennie to Elland Road [BBC Sport, 31 January] means the Whites now possess three of the USA’s best-emerging footballers and international stars along with Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

Coached by Jesse Marsch, also of American nationality and the part-owners of the club, 49ers Enterprises, means the interest from the US in the Whites could vastly increase.

For many American soccer fans, Leeds is our weekly must-watch EPL team. Not for the history, passion, or culture, but simply pride in the 🇺🇸⚽️ connection. That's the attraction and what is being sold. If that changes, maybe some will stay, but many of us will look elsewhere.
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) January 31, 2023

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And US pundit Lalas agreed as much but then went on to controversially state that the only reason why US soccer fans will watch the Whites in future is because of the US connection. Taking to his personal Twitter account 1 February], he tweeted: “For many American soccer fans, Leeds is our weekly must-watch EPL team. Not for the history, passion, or culture, but simply pride in the American soccer connection.

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“That’s the attraction and what is being sold. If that changes, maybe some will stay, but many of us will look elsewhere.”

You're enraged because new customers in a vast and valuable emerging market are being attracted to the product through a powerful and unique connection that has been cultivated and fostered as a business strategy? https://t.co/F6XzjiUqe7
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) February 1, 2023

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Lalas had to suffer a war of words with American Leeds fans because of it, as shown above.

Controversial

Lalas comments are hugely controversial and the Whites fans are right to be enraged by what he’s claimed.

Fans won’t just support the club just because of the American contingent. The pundit is being ignorant of the fact that the Leeds fanbase is one of the biggest in the world of football because of the history and prestigiousness of the football club.

Yes, the views in the US will increase because of the American players and an American manager, but those elements won’t take away the huge camaraderie surrounding the club in general and the reasons why fans support Leeds United.

This is a hugely successful football club, one built with a strong and electric dynamic amongst the fanbase and a club forged through a well tight-knit and strong community. It won’t just be the American connection that makes Leeds United an attractive and decorated entity.

In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports journalist has shared whether Weston McKennie can make his debut against Nottingham Forest.