Leeds United failed to pick up a win in their opening match and now attention turns to Wednesday night when Leeds take on Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup, and Michael Carrick has commented.
Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Portsmouth at Elland Road is a disappointing result for Leeds on the whole, given they were strong favourites to win and should have won given the amount of chances Leeds had.
But three goals were conceded with the likes of Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon making some mistakes at the back. But in attack, Leeds look excellent and will look to put Middlesbrough to the sword.
There are likely to be a number of changes to the side that drew on Saturday. LeedsUnited.News predicts six changes, which will see the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober and Joe Rothwell all to get starts.
Michael Carrick comments on Leeds after failing to win opener
The game will also see a return to Elland Road for the first time, for Luke Ayling. The right-back joined Boro on loan in January but was barred from facing Leeds due to being on loan at Middlesbrough.
Now, he has signed permanently with Carrick’s side and is available to take on Leeds for the first time since leaving the club on a free for The Riverside. Carrick spoke to Boro’s YouTube on Tuesday afternoon.
He was asked if he felt Leeds were already under pressure, and replied: “I don’t know to be honest. But what I can tell you, is they have a fantastic squad. Great group of players, individually and collectively.
“They proved that by how far they went, how close they came to the Premier League. It’s one game. One game doesn’t make a season. Nothing is won or lost just yet,” Middlesbrough boss Carrick continued.
Ultimately, this season is all about promotion for Leeds and Farke
Not only because Leeds need to get back to where they belong and because of the club’s financial situation if they cannot go back to the goldmine of the Premier League, but because of Farke’s future.
Farke was brought in to secure promotion and so nearly did last season. But it is black and white, Leeds did not go up and all that hard work in obtaining 90 points was for nothing, it means nothing this term.
The pressure is certainly on for Farke to get Leeds promoted and if the Whites endure a start like they did last season then there is every chance some will be calling for the German manager’s head at some point.
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