Don't think we will go up

[joellufcprice]

This isn't a negative 'I think we are ****' post. Just been thinking about our opening games and what we have available and I just currently don't see this squad earning promotion. Derby and Stoke have both looked woeful since we beat them and lets be honest Rotherham will be relegation fodder.

Now, I think Bielsa is an absolute genius and is the best man we could have in charge but I do not think for a 46 game high octane season he has the squad to get us up. We are playing some brilliant stuff and at times better than anything I've seen since we got relegated but in every game cracks have shown, particularly in defence where already our paper thin options were exposed massively against Swansea who though a good team looked ****e when I watched them before they played us.

Just a thought, loving what we are doing but I really don't see how this squad gets promoted once the injuries and suspensions set in or the weeks where we have 3 games in a week over winter. Berardi is absolutely hopeless at centre back, he gives it his all and puts in great tackles but the man cannot man mark or beat a striker to a header in the box.

Now, if we suddenly sign a centre back and a winger I'll have a bit more hope but currently I feel we will be entertaining to watch but our defensive frailties especially when we've got someone like Ayling or Cooper out will cost us too many goals causing us to lose/draw games we should win. You look at Villa bringing in El Ghazi and Bolasie and we are still dining at the kiddies table when it comes to transfer dealings which amazes me, if we gave this man a real quality squad we'd walk the league.

Think it has heightened more recently having seen Basic, Kalas and El Ghazi all move on loan to clubs in our league as I keep seeing other teams strengthen and us just sitting there fingers in ears like our squad depth isn't an issue. I love Bielsa but I genuinely think he is seriously over looking the intensity of this league if he thinks this squad is good enough for a promotion charge, our first 11 when all fit, yes, is good but outside of that when the pressure is on I just don't see it working out.

I'd be happy right now if we are 8th come January, think for this squad that would be a great achievement.

Like I said not being negative, that is just how I see it with what we have right now going forward especially with likes of Forshaw and Jansson who are made of glass.

[joellufcprice]

Just to chuck it out there I also trust Bielsa but don't for a second think he genuinely thinks this is the best squad he could have at his disposal right now, there are 100% players we could have signed who are better than what we have even if he says he is happy with the squad that does not mean it couldn't have been improved upon Kalas is the perfect example him in on loan would have 100% improved us and he is a ball playing centre half with pace, may not have been in for him regardless but my point is there are definitely players we could and can get that would make us better.

[WTF11]

Just to chuck it out there I also trust Bielsa but don't for a second think he genuinely thinks this is the best squad he could have at his disposal right now, there are 100% players we could have signed who are better than what we have even if he says he is happy with the squad that does not mean it couldn't have been improved upon Kalas is the perfect example him in on loan would have 100% improved us and he is a ball playing centre half with pace, may not have been in for him regardless but my point is there are definitely players we could and can get that would make us better.

"Best squad"?? Wtf is that

[fredlufc74]

Whilst I agree with most of your points I think Bielsa does his homework on other teams and has a good understanding of the league. Seems to have brought out the best in some players who last season were a shambles.

He may like some of the youth as well. Shackleton has looked quite good so far. Wonder how many of the other youngsters are being worked on to fit into his style of play. I think it may take some time to get them up to the understanding of how he wants to play but it might work.

Don't think your post is negative either, it shows a very balanced view of a few concerns that quite a few fans think.

[WTF11]

"Best squad"?? Wtf is that

What I wanted to ask is wtf is the best squad?

Did Don Revie have "the best squad"? No....he MADE the best TEAM.

A.collection of players who supposedly are the best on the field can be beaten by a TEAM who on face value are inferior (Man Utd 0 - 1 Leeds Utd, Jan 2010).

Belief is all

[WTF11]

Màke the players believe thay can walk through walls, overcome all, be invisible, that's all that is required. No fuss, no pack drill.

[WTF11]

Spirit of the "300", never say die, side before self, never say die, never, never, ever.

[WTF11]

Sorry, bit too much vinto tinto, but the sentiments remain the same, give 'em hell on Saturday!!!

[whitestomper45]

We still have Forshaw to come back into midfield and the versatile Dallas who has had a few injuries during his time here. Hopefully Bielsa might get him reaching the displays he regularly put's in for Norden Iron. Yes its a 46 game marathon, we have a relatively small squad to others, but already see some teams having problems accomodating bloated squads. Less can be more...

[LeedsFTW]

I'd be happy right now if we are 8th come January, think for this squad that would be a great achievement.

Like I said not being negative, that is just how I see it with what we have right now going forward especially with likes of Forshaw and Jansson who are made of glass.

Its very tough to call it at this point after only a couple of games being played, as a lot of teams are still settling in, plus the loans window is still open for another week ( I think).

We definitely could do with a couple more in, a CB is a must in my opinion.

After saying all that, when you look at who is in the league, I still think Middlesborough, Villa and West Brom will be the teams to beat this season, everyone else appears to be very beatable, even if we do have a couple of suspensions and injuries. As more weeks go by, we also have to consider how much improvement there could potentially be within the first team squad under the watchful eye of Biesla. I think we will be in the play-offs minimum at the end of the season.