Joe Cole has told BT Sport that Javi Gracia has got to start Leeds United duo Luis Sinisterra and Willy Gnonto for the remaining six Premier League fixtures – and instead of being pragmatic, stick to what the Leeds players know.
Leeds suffered a third straight defeat and a fourth loss in five on Saturday at Craven Cottage. A solid-enough first half saw Leeds go into the break 0-0, but with no attacking output. They tried to attack more in the second 45.
But gaps were left and Fulham exploited them – Illan Meslier to blame again, as Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira scored the goals. Patrick Bamford got one back with a deflected stab at goal, but that was as good as it got.
Cole discussed Leeds after another loss, which sees us remain in 16th but edge worryingly closer to the drop zone. He says that instead of trying to defend more, Leeds need to do what they are trained to do and attack.
Indeed, that means starting Gnonto and Sinisterra. Cole gave his verdict on BT Sport: “This team needs to play with fire, and also, he needs to pick the right team. Gnonto and Sinisterra, alright, they don’t give you a lot defensively.
“But they’re so far down the line with this style of play, and pressing, they’d be better off just doing it, getting the attacking players on the pitch,” Cole continued, as Leeds prepare to take on Leicester City at Elland Road.
Cole says Gracia has got to start Leeds duo Sinisterra and Gnonto
Cole has a point. Leeds have tried to be pragmatic in games against Liverpool, Arsenal, perhaps even Palace when we had taken the lead and against Fulham – and it hasn’t worked. Perhaps, our best version of defence, is attack.
Our weakness is certainly at the back, and without Tyler Adams to protect it, it is exposed. So, perhaps bringing in players like Gnonto and Sinisterra that will in pack opponents, helps give the defence a breather and can recover.
Gnonto seriously needs to start – with so many fans calling for his inclusion. Sinisterra was a surprise omission, after starting the last four league games and scoring two league goals in that time. Perhaps, both start against Leicester.
