Here are the Leeds United morning headlines for Friday, July 17.
Leeds goalkeeper ‘not good enough for Premier League’
Noel Whelan has hit out at Kiko Casilla, with the former Leeds striker saying the Spanish goalkeeper is “not good enough for the Premier League.”
Casilla was available for selection against Barnsley on Thursday night after serving an eight-game suspension, but Marcelo Bielsa decided against restoring the former Real Madrid shot-stopper to his team, instead sticking with Illan Meslier.
“He had to stick with Meslier. Meslier was fantastic, everything that he needed to do he did,” Whelan told Football Insider.
"Whenever the corners came in he was brave and got a good punch on the ball. He is not afraid to come over bodies to relieve that pressure.
“Kiko Casilla is not good enough for the Premier League and after everything that has happened the club need to have a long think. There are still question marks about his ability.”
Striker says Leeds will go all out to clinch title at first opportunity
Patrick Bamford says Leeds will give everything to secure promotion to the Premier League, and the English Championship title, at the first opportunity against Derby County on Sunday.
The Elland Road outfit could be officially promoted by the time they take to the pitch at Pride Park this weekend, but Bamford has spoken about the motivation not just to go up, but to go up as champions.
“I think the way we’ve looked at it is before this game, it was six points to be champions, not just to go up,” he said.
“It’s not many times in your life that you get to say that you’ve won, you’ve come first in your league.
"That’s the main aim for us.”
Every word Leeds United boss said after crucial win over Barnsley
Bielsa’s Leeds stand on the brink of a long-awaited promotion to the Premier League, with Thursday night’s win over Barnsley putting them just three points away from being confirmed champions.
The Chilean admitted his side wasn’t able to play their natural game against Barnsley, but praised the “collective effort” of his players as they took another giant step towards the title and promotion back to the top flight.
However, Bielsa was quick to stop any presumptuous talk and is keen to focus his players again for Sunday’s away match against Derby County.
Here is every word he said after Thursday’s win.
