A round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines on Thursday, 5 January.
Rodrigo hails Fabianski effort
Leeds United were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United last night in an emotional fixture following the passing of Hammers co-owner David Gold and departure of long-serving Whites midfielder Mateusz Klich.
Jesse March's led for the majority of the opening period following Wilfried Gnonto's opener before the Hammers took a 2-1 lead early in the second period courtesy of efforts from Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca.
Rodrigo would, eventually, equalise for United before being denied an injury-time winner by a superb Lukasz Fabianski save. And the Spaniard admitted post-match just how impressed he was by Fabianski's effort.
READ MORE: Klich's Leeds United career ends with contract terminated ahead of MLS move
“I had the final chance, which was a really good save from the ‘keeper," he said. Yeah (I thought I’d scored). The ball was (practically) in the goal. It was a good save.”
Klich pens emotional Leeds farewell
Mateusz Klich has penned an emotional open letter after his Leeds United exit was confirmed on Wednesday evening.
The Polish midfielder was given a guard of honour by his teammates, who were sporting t-shirts honouring the Whites promotion hero following the 2-2 draw against West Ham, with the club soon confirming that he had been released from his contract ahead of a move to MLS side DC United.
Klich's exit marks the end of a five-and-a-half year spell at Elland Road, which saw him go from a fringe player that was loaned out to a key part of Marcelo Bielsa's promotion-winning side, earning a place in Leeds United folklore.
The open letter posted on Instagram was reflective of the man himself - equal parts unconventional, amusing and emotional. After paying tribute to the fans, the Thorp Arch staff, Victor Orta, Bielsa and his teammates, Klich also had a final message for 'Bob', the infamous Twitter troll who the Pole so brilliantly put in his place.
You can read the letter in full here
Every word from Jesse Marsch following Elland Road thriller
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch admitted he was both pleased and frustrated in equal measure following the Whites' 2-2 draw against West Ham United.
There were signs of promise, especially in attack, with Rodrigo coming close to winning the match in injury time, whilst poor defending saw David Moyes' side score twice with relative ease.
Marsch also explained what new addition Max Wober will bring to his side, labelling him as an 'intelligent player" following the confirmation of his move from Red Bull Salzburg.
Somewhat fascinatingly, however, the American boss admitted he's "not absolutely sure" that Mateusz Klich's impending move to MLS outfit DC United is "the right decision."
Bate hailed by Oxford boss
Karl Robinson believes Lewis Bate is one of the best players he's coached but admits he must add goals to his game to take it to the next level. The 20-year-old, who is on a season-long loan from Leeds United, has impressed during his time with the League One outfit.
Having made 21 appearances in all competitions, Bate has become a key cog in Oxford's push to win promotion this season. The U's have struggled in recent weeks but remain just nine points adrift of the League One play-off places.
Robinson believes the Whites loanee will be a Premier League player in the future, but also needs to add creativity to his game. Bate has notched three assists in League One this season, and been dubbed a 'magician' by his loan manager.
Having coached the likes of Dele Alli and Patrick Bamford during his time with MK Dons, Robinson believes Bate is right up there with the best players he's coached.
His comments can be accessed here
Player ratings after West Ham draw
Our Leeds United writer Beren Cross has offered his player ratings as Wilfried Gnonto and Rodrigo scored the goals in the Whites' 2-2 draw against West Ham United.
He provided three disappointing ratings of four after a "concerning" performance for one player, whilst another would receive a rating of eight after he was "at the forefront."
The player ratings can be found here
READ NEXT:
Mateusz Klich in tears as he is given emotional Elland Road goodbye ahead of Leeds United exit
'A Leeds United legend' - Supporters react to Mateusz Klich's emotional Elland Road send off
More Wilfried Gnonto progress amid Brenden Aaronson struggles on emotional Leeds United night
Rodrigo's tribute to 'important' Mateusz Klich after emotional Leeds United farewell
Leeds United player ratings as Wilfried Gnonto carries the threat in frustrating West Ham draw
