Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Elliott Jackson

Rio Ferdinand's surprise verdict on Leeds United January transfer window business

Rio Ferdinand believes that Leeds United's season won't be impacted by the signing of any player in the January transfer window.

The Whites have drawn widespread praise for their fearless approach to life back in the Premier League.

However, their all-out-attack philosophy has seen them suffer heavy defeats against the top sides, with some questioning Marcelo Bielsa's reluctance to change his styles against superior opposition.

Only West Brom have conceded more than Leeds' tally of 33 this season and injuries in defence haven't helped matters either.

Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente all remain injured, which has led to a makeshift pairing of Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk in recent matches.

Whilst Leeds fans are hoping for a defender to be added to the squad this month, Ferdinand doesn't believe the arrival of any player will impact Leeds' season either way and it's a recalibration on their tactics that is needed to stem the tide away from home.

“I don’t think it’s any one player. I think they just need balance in the way they tactically set up," Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.

“To go gung-ho for the full 90 minutes is a big ask. They’ve proved it’s doable in the Championship but the Premier League is a different beast.

“Maybe there needs to be a period where they take their foot off the gas, soak up a bit of pressure and then turn it on again.

"Maybe that element of surprise will help them, especially against the bigger teams.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.