2018–19 Leeds United F.C. season explained

Club:Leeds United
Season:2018–19
Manager:Marcelo Bielsa
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Chairman:Andrea Radrizzani
Stadium:Elland Road
League:Championship
League Result:3rd
Cup1:Play-offs
Cup1 Result:Semi-finals
Cup2:FA Cup
Cup2 Result:Third round
Cup3:EFL Cup
Cup3 Result:Second round
League Topscorer:
Kemar Roofe (14)
Season Topscorer:
Kemar Roofe (15)
Highest Attendance:37,004 vs Sheffield United
(17 March 2019, Championship)
Lowest Attendance:18,652 vs Preston North End
(28 August 2018, EFL Cup)
Average Attendance:33,834
Prevseason:2017–18
Nextseason:2019–20
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The 2018–19 season was Leeds United's ninth consecutive season in the Championship.[1]

Season summary

Leeds' season started with an impressive win against relegated Stoke City at Elland Road, followed by a 4–1 win against Frank Lampard's Derby County at Pride Park, moving Leeds up to 3rd in the Championship table.

Leeds' first defeat of the season was against former manager Garry Monk's Birmingham City in mid September, but by the turn of the year the side were in pole position, despite a 4–2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 1 January 2019.

Before a 2–0 victory over Derby County on 11 January 2019,[2] manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted he had sent a spy to Derby's training ground,[3] after reports emerged in the press that a man was spotted the previous day outside the training ground.[4] [5] Derby manager Frank Lampard was critical of Bielsa's method.[6] On 12 January, Leeds United released a statement in response to the incident.[7] Tottenham Hotspur Manager Mauricio Pochettino described the incident as 'not a big deal' and commonplace in Argentina.[8]

On 15 January, the EFL announced they would be investigating the incident.[9] With intense media scrutiny on what was coined 'Spygate' in the media,[10] [11] [12] Bielsa announced a press briefing on 16 January 2019, where he gave a detailed analysis of his research on a PowerPoint presentation to the gathered media and journalists, detailing his meticulousness, thoroughness and preparation over his opponents,[13] [14] with some journalists in attendance describing it as a 'coaching masterclass' and 'genius'.[15] [16] [17]

The 'Spygate' saga was resolved on 18 February, when Leeds were fined a sum of £200,000 by the EFL for breach of a portion of Rule 3.4 of EFL Regulations ("In all matters and transactions relating to The League each Club shall behave towards each other Club and The League with the utmost good faith."),[18] [19] with the EFL also announcing a new rule as a result, that teams could not watch opposition training up to 72 hours before a game.[20] It was subsequently revealed, by Bielsa, that he paid the £200,000 fine in full himself.[21]

Towards the end of January Leeds missed out on signing Daniel James with the deal being pulled on the final day, but did sign Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid.

The team's form dipped in January & February, whilst some pointed towards the implications of Spygate, Bielsa refused to make excuses outside of himself.

Damaging defeats in March to Sheffield Utd & Birmingham City had left the promotion race out of their hands, and would need Norwich City & Sheffield Utd to slip up in order for Leeds to be promoted automatically. Two wins against Preston and Sheffield Wednesday briefly raised hopes before losses to 10 man Wigan at home and an away loss to Brentford would mean the side enter the playoffs.

This rendered our last two games almost meaningless, however they didn't go by quietly. The visit of Aston Villa saw tempers flare during the second half. The officials waved away calls for a foul as Klich took the lead for the Whites.

As players & staff broke out into a fracas, Marcelo Bielsa ordered his players to stand aside & Aston Villa were able to equaliser through an unopposed goal. The Leeds manager and his side later won the 2019 FIFA Fair Play award for their sportsmanship in this action.

Leeds entered the playoffs and played Derby County over two legs. In the first leg at Pride Park, Kemar Roofe handed Leeds a lead in the tie before returning to Elland Road.

Stuart Dallas gave the side a 2-0 aggregate lead, before a mix up between Kiko Casillas & Liam Cooper just before half time allowed Jack Marriott to reduce the deficit and give Frank Lampard's Derby County hope.

Negativity crept in and the home side threw the second leg away, allowing Derby to win 3-4 on aggregate. Jack Marriott's late goal sending Frank Lampard's Derby County to the playoff final.

Transfers

Transfers in

DatePositionNameFromFee
1 July 2018 DF Joshveer Shergill £25,000 [22]
4 July 2018 DF Undisclosed [23]
28 July 2018 DF £3,000,000 [24]
31 July 2018 FW £7,000,000 [25]
17 January 2019 GK Free transfer [26]
29 January 2019 MF Undisclosed [27]
March 2019 MF Morten Spencer SunderlandUndisclosed [28]

Transfers out

DatePositionNameToFee
1 July 2018 FW Moses Abioye Released [29]
1 July 2018 MF Undisclosed [30]
1 July 2018 DF Matthew Keogh Released
1 July 2018 FW Moise Kroma Free agent Released
1 July 2018 MF Released
1 July 2018 GK Undisclosed [31]
5 July 2018 GK Free transfer [32]
14 July 2018 FW Undisclosed [33]
1 August 2018 MF Undisclosed [34]
2 August 2018 MF Free transfer [35]
3 August 2018 FW Ousama Siddiki Undisclosed [36]
31 January 2019 FW Samuel AmissahUndisclosed

Loans in

Start datePositionNameFromEnd date
1 July 2018 MF 9 January 2019 [37] [38]
16 July 2018 GK 31 May 2019 [39]
30 July 2018 MF 31 May 2019 [40]
30 August 2018 MF 31 May 2019 [41]

Loans out

Start datePositionNameToEnd date
1 July 2018 DF 31 May 2019 [42] [43]
3 July 2018 FW 31 December 2018 [44]
5 July 2018 FW 31 May 2019 [45]
6 July 2018 DF 31 May 2019 [46]
6 July 2018 DF 8 January 2019 [47] [48]
11 July 2018 FW 31 May 2019 [49] [50]
19 July 2018 MF Alex Machuca 31 May 2019 [51]
20 July 2018 DF Liam Kitching 2 January 2019 [52]
26 July 2018 FW Adrián Balboa 23 August 2018 [53]
31 July 2018 MF 26 January 2019 [54] [55]
17 August 2018 GK Harrison Male Work Experience [56]
21 August 2018 DF 31 May 2019 [57]
21 August 2018 MF 31 May 2019 [58]
24 August 2018 FW Adrián Balboa 31 May 2019 [59]
24 August 2018 MF 31 May 2019 [60]
24 August 2018 MF 31 May 2019 [61]
29 August 2018 FW 30 June 2019 [62]
31 August 2018 MF 31 May 2019 [63]
31 August 2018 MF 10 January 2019
1 September 2018 FW 30 June 2019 [64]
26 October 2018 MF Alex Wollerton December 2018 [65]
13 December 2018 MF Alex Wollerton January 2019 [66]
1 January 2019 MF 30 June 2019 [67]
7 January 2019 MF 31 May 2019 [68]
8 January 2019 DF 31 May 2019
11 January 2019 MF 31 May 2019 [69]
25 January 2019 GK February 2019 [70]
29 January 2019 MF 31 May 2019 [71]
31 January 2019 FW 31 May 2019 [72]
31 January 2019 DF 31 May 2019 [73]

Pre-season

Leeds United announced pre-season friendlies against Forest Green Rovers, York City, Southend United, Oxford United, Guiseley and Las Palmas.[74]

Competitions

Championship

See main article: 2018–19 EFL Championship.

Matches

On 21 June, the Championship fixtures were released.[75]

Play-offs

FA Cup

See main article: 2018–19 FA Cup.

Leeds United were drawn away to Queens Park Rangers in third round.[76]

EFL Cup

See main article: 2018–19 EFL Cup.

Leeds United were drawn at home to Bolton Wanderers in the first round, and at home to Preston North End in the second round.[77] [78]

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

|-! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Goalkeepers|-! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Defenders|-! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Midfielders|-! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Forwards|-! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Players transferred out during the season|-|-|-! colspan=14 style=background:#dcdcdc; text-align:center| Loaned players who returned to their parent club during the season

Notes and References

  1. News: History . Statto . 15 June 2018 . 24 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140719/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/leeds-united/history . dead .
  2. Web site: REPORT: Leeds United 2-0 Derby County . 11 January 2019 . Leeds United F.C. . en . 29 March 2020.
  3. News: Taylor . Louise . I'd rather not coach than use spy tactics, says Lampard after Derby lose at Leeds . 11 January 2019 . The Guardian . 11 January 2019 . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  4. Web site: Derby training ground 'spy': Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa takes responsibility . 11 January 2019 . BBC Sport . 11 January 2019.
  5. News: Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby training . 11 January 2019 . Sky Sports . 11 January 2019.
  6. News: Derby boss Frank Lampard insists he would 'rather quit' than use Marco Bielsa's 'spying' tactics . 12 January 2019 . ITV Sport . 12 January 2019.
  7. Web site: CLUB STATEMENT . 12 January 2019 . Leeds United F.C. . 12 January 2019.
  8. News: Pitt-Brooke . Jack . Leeds United vs Derby County: Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino believes 'spygate' is 'not a big deal' . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leeds-united-vs-derby-county-spying-marcelo-bielsa-mauricio-pochettino-not-a-big-deal-a8723206.html . 1 May 2022 . subscription . live . 12 January 2019 . The Independent . 11 January 2019 . 0951-9467.
  9. Web site: Leeds United v Derby County 'spy' row: EFL investigates Whites over incident . 15 January 2019 . BBC Sport . 17 January 2019.
  10. Web site: Marcelo Bielsa's Spygate: Other cases of sporting espionage . 16 January 2019 . BBC Sport . 17 January 2019.
  11. News: Liew . Jonathan . With his 'spygate' PowerPoint, Marcelo Bielsa has enhanced his legend . 16 January 2019 . The Independent . 17 January 2019 . 0951-9467.
  12. News: Leeds United Spygate scandal: How the drama has unfolded for Marcelo Bielsa . 16 January 2019 . Yorkshire Evening Post . 17 January 2019.
  13. News: Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa admits spying on every Championship club during unprecedented rebuttal . 16 January 2019 . Yorkshire Evening Post . 17 January 2019.
  14. News: Liew . Jonathan . The Marcelo Bielsa 'spygate' row is another tiresome chapter in football's culture war - and there was no winner . 16 January 2019 . The Independent . 17 January 2019 . 0951-9467.
  15. Web site: Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa says he watches all opponents train . 16 January 2019 . BBC Sport . 17 January 2019.
  16. News: Leeds United are watching you – Phil Hay's take on astonishing insight into the world of Marcelo Bielsa . 17 January 2019 . Yorkshire Evening Post . 17 January 2019.
  17. News: Marcelo Bielsa press conference: 'Absolutely incredible...a tactical masterclass ' . 17 January 2019 . Sky Sports . 17 January 2019.
  18. News: Kershaw . Tom . Leeds fined £200,000 for 'spygate' affair as EFL make new law to prevent further incidents . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/leeds-fine-spygate-law-marcelo-bielsa-derby-frank-lampard-efl-a8785536.html . 1 May 2022 . subscription . live . 18 February 2019 . The Independent . 9 March 2019 . 0951-9467.
  19. News: EFL Regulations, Section 2 – Membership . 18 February 2019 . EFL . 29 April 2019.
  20. Web site: EFL statement: Leeds United . 18 February 2019 . English Football League . en-gb . 29 March 2020.
  21. News: Hay . Phil . Marcelo Bielsa reveals he personally paid Leeds United's hefty fine following Spygate . 3 May 2019 . Yorkshire Evening Post . 8 May 2019.
  22. News: Leeds United first signing of Bielsa era – bigger signings next . 9 July 2018 . The 72 . 16 June 2018.
  23. Leeds Confirm the Arrival of Under-23 Starlet Leif Davis on 3-Year Deal . 7 July 2018 . Sports Illustrated . 4 July 2018.
  24. News: Barry Douglas is confirmed as Leeds United's first permanent capture of the summer . 28 July 2018 . . 28 July 2018.
  25. News: Patrick Bamford Completes Leeds United Move . 31 July 2018 . . 31 July 2018.
  26. Web site: Leeds United Sign Kiko Casilla . . 17 January 2019.
  27. Web site: Whites Complete Mateusz Bogusz Deal . . 29 January 2019.
  28. Web site: Cusick . Aiden . 29 March 2019 . Who is Morten Spencer? Five facts about the youngster who's just joined Leeds United from Sunderland . 2 August 2020 . HITC . en-GB.
  29. News: Leeds United 2018/19 Retained List. 27 May 2018. Leeds United F.C. Official Site. 18 May 2018.
  30. News: Madger Gomes Departs . 11 June 2018 . . 11 June 2018.
  31. News: Leeds keeper Wiedwald joins Frankfurt . 19 June 2018 . . 19 June 2018.
  32. News: Middlesbrough sign goalkeeper Lonergan . 2 August 2018 . . 2 August 2018.
  33. Web site: Welcome to Malmö FF, Marcus Antonsson!. Malmö FF. sv. 14 July 2018.
  34. News: Ronaldo Vieira Joins Sampdoria . 1 August 2018 . . 1 August 2018.
  35. News: Bolton Wanderers sign Luke Murphy . 2 August 2018 . . 2 August 2018.
  36. News: Ousama Siddiki leaves Leeds United, signs deal in Spain . 24 August 2018 . HITC . 3 August 2018.
  37. News: JAMAL BLACKMAN JOINS ON LOAN. 16 July 2018. Leeds United Official. 16 July 2018.
  38. Web site: Royals land Lewis Baker on loan . . 9 January 2019.
  39. News: Leeds 'reach deal to sign' second Chelsea player of the summer . 13 July 2018 . . 13 July 2018.
  40. News: Jack Harrison completes Leeds United loan switch from Manchester City . 30 July 2018 . . 30 July 2018.
  41. News: Brown Loaned To Leeds . 30 August 2018 . . 30 August 2018.
  42. News: Leeds' Coyle agrees new Fleetwood loan . 27 June 2018 . . 27 June 2018.
  43. Web site: Lewie Coyle loan extended until end of the season . 7 January 2019 . . 7 January 2019.
  44. News: Leeds forward Cibicki joins Molde . 3 July 2018 . . 3 July 2018.
  45. News: Goalkeeper Lonergan leaves Leeds . 6 July 2018 . . 5 July 2018.
  46. News: Peterborough sign Denton and Yorwerth . 6 July 2018 . . 6 July 2018.
  47. News: Blackpool sign Leeds defender O'Connor . 6 July 2018 . . 6 July 2018.
  48. Web site: City Complete O'Connor Signing . . 8 January 2019.
  49. News: Leeds forward Mallik joins Doncaster . 11 July 2018 . . 11 July 2018.
  50. News: Wilks signs new deal and extends loan . BBC Sport . January 2019 . 1 January 2019.
  51. News: Alex Machuca Agrees Loan Move . 19 July 2018 . . 19 July 2018.
  52. News: Liam Kitching Signs New Contract . 20 July 2018 . . 20 July 2018.
  53. News: Adrian Balboa Leaves Leeds For CF Badalona . 30 July 2018 . This Is Futbol . 26 July 2018.
  54. News: Hadi Sacko Joins Las Palmas . 31 July 2018 . . 31 July 2018.
  55. Web site: Leeds loanee Hadi Sacko axed by Las Palmas . 26 January 2019 . HITC . 29 January 2019.
  56. News: Taddy Call Upon Leeds United Goalkeeper. 17 August 2018 . Tadcaster Albion . 17 August 2018.
  57. News: Laurens De Bock Makes Temporary Switch . 21 August 2018 . . 21 August 2018.
  58. News: Yosuke Ideguchi Makes Loan Move . 21 August 2018 . . 21 August 2018.
  59. News: Adrian Balboa Heads Out On Loan . 24 August 2018 . . 24 August 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180824172845/https://www.leedsunited.com/news/academy-news/23736/adrian-balboa-heads-out-on-loan . 24 August 2018 . dead .
  60. News: Leeds United midfielder Buoy joins Zwolle on season-long loan . 24 August 2018 . . 24 August 2018.
  61. News: Oriol Rey ya entrena con el Conquense . eldeporteconquense.com. 27 August 2018 . 27 August 2018.
  62. News: Leeds United midfielder Eunan O'Kane makes deadline-day departure to League One side on loan . 31 August 2018 . . 31 August 2018.
  63. News: Leeds United's Magpies recruit Vurnon Anita joins Willem II on season-long loan . 31 August 2018 . . 31 August 2018.
  64. News: Good luck to #LUFC U23s forward Oliver Sarkic who joins @barakaoficial on a season-long loan. Leeds United Twitter. 1 September 2018. 1 September 2018.
  65. News: Gary Bradshaw is back! And two others join the club . 26 October 2018 . . 26 October 2018.
  66. Web site: Quarkers sign Alex Wollerton from Leeds . 13 December 2018 . Darlington F.C. – Official Site . 13 December 2018.
  67. Web site: Samuel Saiz To Join Getafe CF . . 18 December 2018.
  68. Web site: Duo Complete Loan Moves . . 7 January 2019.
  69. Web site: Pawel Cibicki Completes Loan Move . . 11 January 2019.
  70. Web site: Will Huffer Joins Barnet On Loan . . 25 January 2019.
  71. Web site: Leeds United winger Hadi Sacko seals loan move to Turkey . . 29 January 2019.
  72. Web site: Sam Dalby Loan . . 31 January 2019.
  73. Web site: Tom Pearce joins on loan from Leeds . 31 January 2019 . . 31 January 2019.
  74. News: Fixtures & Results . 8 July 2018 . Leeds United F.C..
  75. News: Leeds United Scores & Fixtures . 21 June 2018 . .
  76. Web site: Emirates FA Cup third round Draw Made At Stamford Bridge . . 4 December 2018.
  77. News: Lampard's Derby at Oldham in Carabao Cup . 15 June 2018 . . 15 June 2018.
  78. News: Round Two Draw . . 16 August 2018 . 19 August 2018.

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