Leeds United look a better, more exciting team under Thomas Christiansen.
Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that a more adventurous approach is what separates Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen from predecessor Garry Monk.
Leeds have been outstanding so far this season and thumped Burton Albion 5-0 on Saturday to move second in the Championship after six games, maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign – four wins, two draws.
After eight games in all competitions, the Whites have scored 21 and conceded just four. After eight games under Monk last season, United scored only eight and shipped 12.
This feels like a very different, more exciting Leeds under Christiansen, and ex-Whites hitman Whelan says that Monk’s philosophy was simply to “stay in the game” whereas the 44-year-old is willing to take the “risks” necessary to win matches.
Asked by BBC Radio Leeds what the main difference is since Monk’s tenure, Whelan said: “More forward-thinking. You had a manager last season who just wanted to stay in the game and he kept saying it.
“You’ve got a manager this season who wants to take risks and win the game. You’ve got two contrasts there.”
Leeds, under the now-Middlesbrough boss, had four points from their first six Championship outings last term. This time, the Elland Road club have 14 from the same number of games and you can see why fans are so excited about the season.
The Yorkshire side have been absent from the top flight since 2004 and optimism hasn’t been as high as it is now regarding a long-awaited return, though it’s a long season and there’ll be many twists and turns.
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