OPINION
The form of Leeds has dropped off a cliff of late, with just two wins and four defeats in the last seven Championship games.
Luke Ayling has come in for some of the stiffest criticism from Leeds fans as his form has mirrored that of his team’s.
However, manager Marcelo Bielsa gave him the full vote of confidence at his pre-match press conference today, saying that he is very happy with his performances, even though he admitted his attacking has dropped off.
This is brilliant man management from Bielsa – an arm round a player who has always done his best for his club and a reminder to fans that they need to get behind their players – especially at this crucial point of the season – rather than hanging them out to dry.
Phil Hay, senior reporter from the Yorkshire Evening Post, reported on Bielsa’s pre-match press conference and many Leeds fans jumped onto Twitter to respond – although not all of them were convinced about Ayling’s worth.
The reaction seems pretty much split down the middle, with some fans rallying behind Bielsa and Ayling, and others re-iterating that Ayling should be dropped in favour of Jamie Shackleton.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds fans:
???? big fan of Ayling pre injury but he’s not there at the moment
— Toby Williams (@TWilliamsgx02) February 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/AdamPaulBarlow/status/1095312848782274561
Good man management. Sometimes players need an arm round them. Ayling has looked off the boil but that’s form not class. He’ll be back to his best very soon.
— Hashtag lufc (@Hashtaglufc) February 12, 2019
That's interesting as I love Alying and I know he gives is all, however, some passes in crucial areas going a stray far too often. Love to see Shackleton play a full game. ,Swansea are no mugs. The young lad we tried to sign will certainly play his heart out tonight
— Chris Hudson (@peacockpub5) February 12, 2019
Here we go, back to slagging players off. Not good . Leeds til I die. Get behind the players we have please. ??MOT
— suebydoo ?? (@suebydoo4) February 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/stephenfitzpa15/status/1095329437350948864
Not sure what game he’s been watching. Poor lad can hardly run
— Sam Harrison (@SamHarro12) February 12, 2019
— Will (@Whacky_LUFC) February 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/stevie_lufc/status/1095336541675610112
https://twitter.com/LUFCJoe_/status/1095318149833150464
https://twitter.com/paulrose_pcpaul/status/1095312109934690304