Leeds United failed in their efforts to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s squad in the winter market beyond luring Kiko Casilla to the club, but recent comments made by Bristol City boss Lee Johnson, quoted by the Bristol Post, suggest that was a blessing in disguise.
The Robins boss’ comments come in relation to our speculated interest in his Callum O’Dowda, who was linked with a move to Elland Road as a potential Daniel James alternative.
Of course, the Welshman was the one that Bielsa had his eyes, and heart, set on, and the club did all they could to snatch Swansea’s speedster only for the Welsh outfit to pull the plug in the final moments of Deadline Day.
But by backing out of making an approach for O’Dowda, if we were ever going to, did not mean the saga was over for the winger, as his boss has now claimed that just having a transfer speculated in the media has seen his form dip.
“It’s important we resolve the issue with Callum,” Johnson explained in his pre-match press conference for this weekend’s clash.
“I don’t know if there’s anything in the conscious or sub-conscious [affecting his current form] but the fact is at the moment he hasn’t signed [a new contract]. And it’s as simple as that. Any player has to perform well and perform those individual actions we require on and off the ball well.
“Callum’s been excellent on the ball. You only have to look at his two goals against Norwich home and away and the couple of assists that he’s had and that’s something we’ve challenged him to improve on – that productivity for the team – and I’m delighted for him in that sense.
“But we have got such a strong bench and squad that you can’t afford to fail or fall short in doing your jobs well. And that’s off the ball more often than on the ball. Because on the ball I want them to play with freedom and creativity. On the ball I want them to be robots.”
If Johnson feels that O’Dowda’s form has declined that much, although he never signed for Leeds, we could be set to benefit from the reported interest as there is no way Bristol City will be at full-strength without the 15-cap Republic of Ireland international hitting the right notes.
Getting all three points would also ensure we end the weekend retaining a top-two spot, whereas our hosts could drop out of the Play-Off places if Frank Lampard’s Derby can take anything from Sheffield Wednesday.