Good Morning. It's Thursday 2nd April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Governing bodies of football release statement
A joint-statement released on Wednesday evening by the EFL, Premier League, FA and LMA read...
Senior representatives from the PFA, Premier League, EFL and LMA met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting reiterated that the overriding priority is the health and well-being of the nation - including that of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters – and everyone agreed football must only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
No decisions were taken today with discussions set to continue in the next 48 hours with a focus on several high-profile matters, including player wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season.
Double deal given the green light by Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa has given Leeds Director of Football the green light to make two permanent positions to the Leeds squad. French U20 shot stopper Illan Meslier has been in impressive form between the sticks for both the U23's and the first team. Bielsa was recently quoted as saying that Meslier was one of the best current talents in Europe. The Whites have an agreement with Lorient that they have an option to buy the French U20 International for 5m, and the transfer would need to go ahead before Mid May.
The other signing Bielsa has given the thumbs up to is Boro's 29 year old centre back Daniel Ayala. The 6ft 3in defender will become a free agent in the Summer, and is keen to work under Bielsa. It will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from the Leeds faithful as there are few players in the Championship less popular than the Spaniard.
Former England Ace questions Bielsa's treatment of Augustin
Soccer pundit Kevin Phillips has questioned Bielsa's decision to sideline French International Jean-Kevin Augustin from the Leeds squad. The former England International believes that a partly fit Augustin would cause problems for oppositions defences, especially when you consider the Whites have created more chances (by a Country mile) than to any other team in the Championship.
The 22 year old former PSG hitman has only accrued 49 minutes of game time since his arrival late in January, and was dropped from the squad after two games. Since then Augustin has picked up several knocks which has kept him out of action.
I would be amazed if he was not. What is the point in the kid coming to the football club if you are not going to play?
To not be in the squad when it is an area that Leeds knew they had to strengthen in and take the pressure off Bamford and he is not even on the bench? Unless he is carrying a knock. I do not know. It has baffled me.
Leeds created so many chances you think that had Augustin been playing they might have converted. Fully expect him to be involved in the next game. If I was the player, I would be scratching my head and I would be annoyed.