Milanic: I saw a better team last night – Two areas he’s right

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United boss Darko Milanic says he’s already seen improvements on his team from the side that lost to Brentford last weekend.

Leeds United manager Darko Milanic praised his side after the 0-0 draw against Reading, suggesting they are getting better.

The result was an obvious improvement on the 2-0 defeat against Brentford last weekend though the point against Reading didn’t represent the three that fans would have been hooping for.

“I saw a better team. I think everybody saw the same as I did. We didn’t win, but the players want to play good and compact and to play together,” said Milanic after the game.

So does he have a point?

The stats suggest that in key areas Leeds’s performance against Reading actually dipped from the game against Brentford, although the result was definitely more positive.

The side played fewer passes during the game last night, put in fewer crosses and the percentage of possession the team enjoyed was lower than against Brentford.

However, the two areas Milanic will be pleased are attempts on goal and the number of tackles the team made.

Leeds were left frustrated against the Bees because they didn’t make more of the pressure they had over the course of the game. However, they had more shots with less of the ball against Reading last night.

The increased number of tackles also shows that Milanic is already having an effect in terms of the way the side thinks about winning the ball back.

Leeds are at their best when they dominate games and pin the opposition inside their own half and that’s made easier when the team can win the ball back higher up the pitch.

There are still areas for the side to work on but it’s early days and the next aim will be a win in the derby against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.