With some frustration creeping into the Leeds United fanbase as we struggled for goals since injuries hit our main two strikers in the shape of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, the victory over Ipswich Town last night was the perfect tonic for many.
Plenty had certainly read into manager Marcelo Bielsa’s more recent demeanour as a sign of the frustration he felt himself at how results had turned, but the Argentine seemed back on top form when he met with press following the return of all three points.
Bielsa on the league table: "It's always important to be first." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) October 24, 2018
The win lifted us back to the top of the Championship table, joint level on points now with Middlesbrough and Sheffield United which shows we had more than kept ourselves in the mix despite our issues in front of goal, and his simple, matter of fact message, went over extremely well with fans on social media.
He loves it doesn't he. So important we follow this up with victory over forest on Sat.
— Tony (@Tonylufc28) October 24, 2018
So true Dave here’s hoping mate
— wheels23 (@AlanWheels23) October 24, 2018
Well if you ain't first your last as they say. Mot…
— Woody (@alphacenturee) October 24, 2018
Great result but Saturday will be the real test and another win very important as only 2 points clear of Norwich in 6th which is where we could be with a loss. Saiz struggling to impose at moment & getting scant protection from refs #lufc
— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisHWheeler) October 24, 2018
Wow. That's a short but effective answer. Talk about setting big standards
— Ben Hope (@BenHopeAJBass) October 24, 2018
Smart lad, I knew it!
— Jason G (@ReggieRonson) October 24, 2018
His demands and expectations are perfectly demonstrated by those few words, especially as many managers will downplay the importance of the league table at this stage of the year but it doesn’t mean we won’t have further hiccups between now and the end of the season, nothing can be assumed yet other than it’s clear what Bielsa’s intentions ultimately are.