Leeds United supporters were relishing the prospect of a pre-season clash with rivals Manchester United, but have been left concerned following the exposure of defensive fragility.
When the Premier League side took a 3-0 lead shortly after the restart, supporters of the Championship promotion hopefuls were quick to slam the side’s defence on Twitter.
The general consensus was that the central partnership of Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper will not suffice in the Championship, and that a replacement for Pontus Jansson, now of Brentford, is required.
We are desperately in need of a commanding CB
— Fonixed (@Fonixed1) 17 July 2019
It’s almost as if we’re lacking a centre back
— batesylufc2 (@batesylufc2) 17 July 2019
It seems we’re lacking… height… in the centre of the defence…?
— Adam (@AdamJones1995) 17 July 2019
If this is our defence for next season we are in trouble haha 😂😂
— Callum Horne (@CallumHorne3) 17 July 2019
Although we look good at times against decent opposition even bielsa must realise after this with no natural goalscorer and a poor defence it’s going to be another failed promotion bid#even at this early stage
— Kevin Waterhouse (@KevinWaterhous8) 17 July 2019
Ben White is going to have a busy season if we don’t sign another CB… #lufc #alaw
— OldSchool (@Monkiimagic) 17 July 2019
Although the exposure of defensive weakness in pre-season does not inspire confidence, supporters will be hoping that recent addition and tour absentee Ben White can strengthen the Whites’ backline when the league campaign gets underway.
The star-studded nature of the Premier League opposition’s starting eleven will also ease worries, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side will not have to contend with the country’s elite in the second tier.