What's the latest on Poveda's comeback? Does he figure in any future LUFC plans, or has it always been the intention to send him back out on loan?
He's back at Thorp Arch at the moment going through his rehab programme because it's more convenient with where he lives rather than traipsing over to Blackburn every other day. He seems to be making good progress based on his Instagram profile. The expectation this season, if he gets back in time, would be for him to play for Blackburn again. When he was first sent out on loan the noises we heard suggested this was very temporary and there was a long-term home for Poveda at Leeds. Much depends on how his pre-season goes under Marsch, you would think. As we know, wingers are not readily used by the American in his system.
What an unbelievable 10 days it has been! When Norwich equalised I was convinced we were down but our wonderful club never cease to amaze do they?! Wolves was just a ridiculous match, I fully expected a 4-0 or 5-0 defeat at HT but what do I know! (By the way I can't understand the arguments over the second yellow, if Meslier didn't get the ball first I'm sure he would have been booked). One question for you please, there has been a lot of speculation but do you know if Rapha does have any release clauses in his contract and what they are?
It really has been a staggering period across the past two matches with the club. As you say, at 1-1 in the Norwich game and half-time at Molineux it felt like they were going down, but to turn out six points from what could have one is quite amazing. On Raphinha, from what I am told, there is no minimum fee release clause, but I couldn't say for certain whether there is a relegation release clause or not.
We all hope Phillips and Bamford are back fit for run in. With World cup this winter and limited international gatherings between now and then. Phillips was key player in Euros, did you hear anything around Southgate wanting him to train with England group?
That's a great question. No, I've not heard any noises about Southgate asking to bring Phillips into this camp. The England boss is too respectful of Leeds and Marsch to make a request like that, I think. He wasn't even ready to come off the bench on Friday, so to then send him away to work with England during what will be a critical two weeks with Marsch, staying at his own house, building that confidence up, would have been nonsensical. Southgate knows he will have to wait his turn.
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Because of the eternal gratitude, respect and love we have for Señor Bielsa, can you give any kind of update on his whereabouts now, his future plans etc. I’m guessing the first thing on his checklist was to go back home to see his family but who knows, maybe he plans to stay in Leeds, above the shop and manage another English club! Any news would be appreciated.
Marcelo did stick around in the local area for a few days after his sacking, from what I have heard and seen. There were some quite charming pictures circulating of him out and about walking in Wetherby, but seeing him out of his Leeds tracksuit was quite jarring. As I understand it, he is now back in Argentina and spending some well-earned time with his family. It's impossible to predict what he does next. Based on the hoops Leeds had to jump through to hire him in 2017/18, any prospective employer is really going to need to impress him if they want him to commit to them.
Of the various loanees, I personally think the one we want back most is Drameh. Whilst Ayling was IMO huge in the 2nd half vs Wolves, he hasn't been his best this term and is not getting any younger. Also Drameh is one of our best youngsters and did look pretty good when he did play. Do you think we will recall him? I haven't watched Leif Davis much but considering Firpo's form and injuries, do you also think it would be judicious to recall him too?
I certainly believe they will take another close look at Drameh in the summer. From what I have read, he is excelling in the Championship with Cardiff City. Bielsa was very open to allowing the right-back to do what he wanted. If he wanted to go, Bielsa did not want to force him to stay. I wonder what approach Marsch and Orta will take in the summer if they do want Drameh to stick around in 22/23. Based on his attitude to this Cardiff move, he is going to want some assurances on how much he will play if he is to stay at Leeds next season.
From what was said at the time, it sounds like Davis will almost certainly be staying at Bournemouth. It read as though the loan was effectively going to be the first year of a permanent deal at the back end of it. Central midfielders are obviously a priority if they do stay up. Another striker would be welcome given Bamford's fitness issues this season, while with Marsch playing two up top that could make it an easier sell for bringing names in. Another left-back would be nice too.
Why is Orta still talking like they are going to focus on youth recruitment and not 1st team, is he nuts?
If you are referring to the comments he made at The Training Ground Guru webinar, then I don't think he was necessarily saying they will ignore senior recruitment, rather they will persist with 18 experienced heads supplemented by four junior faces to make a squad of 22. That doesn't necessarily mean those 18 experienced heads won't be improved upon and enhanced. There is some merit in finding young talent and developing it at Thorp Arch, but it should not be to the detriment of the senior recruitment, I agree.
I know this is difficult to answer. Andrea spoke of challenging for Europe and big investment in season 3. As we all hope Leeds stay up this season. Have the club finalised plans for off field matters, such as stadium expansion, new sponsors?
The work to Elland Road and the surrounding area was always going to contingent on staying in the Premier League. Though I haven't heard anything, I wonder if this season's scare perhaps makes the decision makers act more cautiously when it comes to committing to something as expensive as that.
