Leeds United fans have every right to feel frustrated as their club approaches a third Premier League game without a permanent head coach. The Whites confirmed on their official channels on Tuesday afternoon that Michael Skubala will continue to lead the team for the upcoming fixtures, starting with the must-win game against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Skubala has done a fine job during his time in the hotseat, considering he has little to no experience of coaching at a professional first-team level in the 11-a-side game. Stepping up from the club’s Under-21s, he has helped steady the ship following last week’s dismissal of Jesse Marsch and he’s managed to oversee signs of progress on the field.
With Skubala in the dugout, Leeds held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford before turning in another promising performance at Elland Road against Erik ten Hag’s side a few days later. The Red Devils quality shone through late in the contest in the most recent meeting, but the caretaker will be given the chance to build on the displays this weekend.
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However, while the 40-year-old has done enough to suggest he can provide a stable hand on the tiller for the time being, the decision comes as Leeds continue their search for the right man to take over. The club had hoped to make a quick appointment with owner Andrea Radrizzani somewhat needlessly taking to social media to make it clear the club were hoping for ‘white smoke’ just one day after parting ways with Marsch.
Eight days on from that tweet, United’s hierarchy haven’t made an appointment, making it clear they will bide their time and wait for the right man to emerge. Those active on social media have aired their frustrations with the situation as the club teeter on the edge of the relegation zone with just 16 league games to play.
But, a large chunk have also given Skubala their backing as he strives to do the best job he can with the team. It’s far from an ideal situation for all parties but supporters are right to throw themselves behind the caretaker and the team at this pivotal point of the campaign.
Games against Everton and Southampton simply have to yield points for the Whites if they are to avoid dropping into the bottom three and fans could have a key role to play, pushing the team along from the stands. The clash in Merseyside on Saturday is colossal for both sides, with the loser guaranteed to be in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend, but a loud and vocal away end can provide the push needed at crucial moments, particularly without the presence of a permanent chief on the sidelines.
The visit of Southampton, with Marsch potentially in the away dugout, provides an even bigger stage for supporters to make the difference. Elland Road at its best can be a cauldron and teams have crumbled when faced with such intimidation this season.
The atmosphere was a huge contributing factor in wins over Wolves, Chelsea and even Bournemouth. Leeds drew energy from it last weekend, too, to perform well against the Red Devils.
It can be a difference maker for Leeds, an advantage in the face of adversity. Activities at a boardroom level will remain in focus over the coming days and weeks, but while the club go without a full-time head coach, the supporters’ have an absolutely vital role to play on the field.
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