A look on social media before Leeds’ FA Cup tie with QPR showed that there was plenty of division amongst the Elland Road faithful. One thing that could unquestionably be agreed upon however, was that the Championship remains the priority.
Many were suggesting defeat to our Championship rivals could prove a good result. Leeds hardly needed anymore fixtures given the injury problems we have already had this season, so avoiding a cup run seemed beneficial.
However, there were others who felt very differently about the tie.
Leeds went into Sunday off the back of two defeats. Another loss would have piled the pressure on heading into Friday’s clash with Derby.
And Leeds all too well how damaging FA Cup defeats can be. The ghosts of Sutton and Newport are elephants in the room when Garry Monk’s and Thomas Christiansen’s tenures are discussed.
And following the 2-1 defeat at Loftus Road, there was undoubtedly a sense of disappointment.
But surely, there is no doubt that the loss was not the worst result available to Leeds.
Plenty of Bielsa’s youngsters gave a decent account of themselves. And losing to QPR will sting nowhere near as much as the previous exits.
Meanwhile, several key first-team stars have been rested, and there is no replay to worry about.
Of course, Leeds winning would have provided a major lift. But given the changes and the focus from now on, there is no reason to spend long dwelling on the result.
It is another defeat. But perhaps in the long run, earning a replay would have been the more harmful outcome.