Will Leeds have to 'make-do and mend their way through' next season?
- Published
Leeds United can start looking forward to another season in the Premier League after their safety was secured by West Ham's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal last weekend, with Simon Rix even suggesting a change in playing style for 2026-27.
"Leeds might look to play a different way next season," the Kaiser Chiefs bassist said on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. "There are a lot of things to change because I feel like we're just playing the system we're playing because it is working.
"When you look at the stats, we are unbeaten in a load of games, we have only lost four games since facing Manchester City and we haven't lost away for quite a long time. However, the vast majority of those results are draws.
"Daniel Farke has been using a back five with two attacking wing-backs very effectively, but if Leeds want to step it up a little bit then there has to be a point where they go to a back four.
"Maybe it's not something to introduce next season though, maybe it's for the future."
However, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan doesn't believe the transition will be so easy.
He explained: "People have to acknowledge - and I know people are going to shout at me when I say this - but the aim has to be finishing 17th or above again next season. That has to be the aim.
"So if the way to do that is to play the same system, maybe with a sprinkling more quality, people have to realise that is going to be the case next season."
Leeds United commentator Adam Pope agreed, adding: "I think it's around a 50% chance you go down across your first two seasons back up [in the Premier League].
"Leeds just don't have the squad at the moment, even factoring in one or two quality additions, to do something radical.
"So they might have to cut their cloth and make-do and mend their way through."
Do you think Leeds United should change their playing style next season? What do you believe the aim should be for 2026-27?
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