Neither result at Elland Road or Portman Road went the right way for the Whites, who produced a timid performance in the 2-1 defeat by Southampton. Though they hit back almost immediately through Joel Piroe following Adam Armstrong’s opener, Leeds’ recent defensive frailty continued as they allowed Will Smallbone to make it 2-1. News of Ipswich Town easing to a 2-0 win over Huddersfield contributed to a flat second half at Elland Road.
I hope we can use the upcoming days to make them available for what I hope is three finals. We have a really young side, some of my young players have lost their momentum, their confidence. It's important to prepare, give them good moments on the training pitch, to find their rhythm back.” The manager admits that it will fall on him to produce the leadership and energy the squad needs to lift its performance levels again. “From the manager, this is what I have to do,” he said.