Former England international goalkeeper Ben Foster has admitted that playing at Elland Road can be “scary” as an opponent against Leeds United.
The Elland Road crowd has been in full voice this season, helping to lift Leeds to famous recent results against Liverpool and Chelsea.
If home form was all that counted, Leeds would almost certainly be playing in the Premier League next season, as they sit 13th in the home form table.
Nigel Martyn compared the recent atmosphere against Liverpool to the famous Champions League nights, as Daniel Farke helped to lift the pressure on his future with another point.
Now, Ben Foster has admitted he was not a fan of visiting Elland Road as an opposing player, praising the Leeds crowd.
Daniel Farke’s job is safe for now, can he get a result against Brentford? 🔮
Ben Foster says Elland Road has ‘the best atmosphere’
Speaking on the Cycling GK podcast, Foster opened up on his experience of facing the hostile Leeds crowd as an opponent.
According to the former Premier League man, he was often on the receiving end of the forthright views of the Leeds faithful, with nowhere to hide as a goalkeeper.
Foster said: “I hated going there because the atmosphere was scary.
“Honestly, Leeds genuinely was the best atmosphere when they’re popping right, and we played at a time when they were hostile to play.
“I used to just keep looking around, and I’m thinking I’m right close to it, I’m the nearest point. Outfield players can run away at least. I had to stand there and listen to it.”
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Daniel Farke needs to find a formula that works away from home in the Premier League
There was a special atmosphere at Elland Road for the games against Chelsea and Liverpool, recalling special nights such as Lucas Radebe’s famous goal to beat Spartak Moscow.
However, with one solitary win on the road so far this season, Farke has to find a way to make his side harder to beat when they do not have the vociferous Leeds crowd behind them.
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The 49ers have big plans for Leeds' famous old ground 🤔
A vastly improved performance in the second half of Leeds’ defeat against Manchester City shows that Farke may have found a template to secure away points with his new 3-5-2 system.
With Lukas Nmecha expected to be fit to return, the Leeds manager will be looking for his side to continue their recent momentum in London.
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