Leeds United missed the chance to strengthen their grip on a Championship play-off place as they drew 0-0 with Queens Park Rangers.
Leeds United’s Kemar Roofe
Rob Green has told BBC News that Leeds can improve by trying to play with a bit more freedom and by taking a few more risks following their disappointing goalless draw with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
The Whites missed the perfect opportunity to put some significant daylight between themselves and the two teams directly below them, while also leaving the door open for Fulham in seventh to close the gap, as they failed to break down Ian Holloway’s men at Elland Road.
In fact, it would surely be fair to argue that it was the away side that had the best opportunities as they looked to secure another three points against Garry Monk’s men, having beaten them comfortably on the opening day of the season.
And after a hugely frustrating game for the Leeds faithful, Green suggested that taking a gamble could be something that the attacking players could have to give a go in future.
Leeds United’s manager Garry Monk and Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway at full time
“It was a difficult performance. [To improve, we need] an understanding of maybe trying something different in a game – we wanted to break them down, but trying something different comes with experience, and maybe not worrying about the consequences so much. Don’t worry if you don’t score with every attack. I think we maybe just need to release the shackles a bit, play with freedom, make runs into the box when maybe you shouldn’t,” he told BBC News.
“To play with that freedom in front of large crowds is something that comes with time and experience. You look at some of the best players in the world and they say they don’t think about it. I wouldn’t say laissez-faire, but maybe just a bit more freedom.”
Leeds United’s Robert Green
Leeds have scored more goals than any of the other four teams inside the play-offs places this term. However, Chris Wood has scored a significant chunk of them, so when he gets isolated, it becomes incredibly difficult for the team to find a way through.
Rangers’ tactic of playing three at the back left the New Zealander struggling to get involved, thus leaving the Whites needing to find another way to break the Hoops down, which they were unable to do.
And with promotion-chasers Brighton and Reading ahead in their next two games, Monk will be hoping that their inability to get past a resolute QPR side does not cost them.
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