Leeds suffered their first major setback of the season on Saturday; the 2-1 home defeat to Birmingham ending Marcelo Bielsa’s unbeaten start to the Championship campaign.
The fact it was former Whites boss Garry Monk, who steered the Blues to their first win of the season, in the opposing dugout only intensifies the pain of the shock defeat.
Leeds were top around this time last year, but were a mess by February. ‘Leeds are falling apart again’ is a popular refrain from opposing fans, but it is not time for panic.
Keep calm
There isn’t a fanbase in the country whose opinion oscillates as wildly as that of Leeds fans. When things are going well, they are behind their manager and every player.
But individual results lead to snap judgements of individual players; the tide can turn ever so quickly, which changes the atmosphere around the club.
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It’s generally less a case of Leeds falling apart again; more like Leeds are tearing themselves apart again.
The football Bielsa has the Whites playing has created a positivity and unity surrounding Leeds that is just as important as what happens on the pitch.
Stick together
That must remain, despite the first loss of the season. There is no need for the fans to panic or to turn on any of the players who have performed admirably so far.
Even if this defeat turns into a mini-slump, the club’s plight will only be worsened if negativity in the stands returns.
It’s difficult as Leeds fans are an honest bunch and have been bitten so many times before; but they must not think they’ve seen this one before. Keeping the calm, belief and faith is imperative.