Leeds United needed strength and grit against Millwall so why did they pick two Spanish play-makers?
An away match against Millwall is never an easy task, and Leeds United fans knew that despite their superb start to the new campaign they would have to be at their very best to take all three points against the Lions.
What the Whites needed at the Den was steel and grit, so why on earth did their manager Thomas Christiansen opt to start both Pablo Hernandez and Samu Saiz?
The two Spaniards had been brilliant for Leeds in the opening weeks of the campaign, but each match should be approached separately and what the visitors needed on Saturday was muscle not delicate football.
So it proved, with Millwall starving Leeds’ creative players of possession and ensuring that Saiz, Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski had a day to forget.
Leeds fans would have been well aware of the need for additional steel on Saturday, so why did no one tel Christiansen?
In truth the new Leeds boss should have been well aware of Millwall’s credentials; that is what he is paid for, after all. But he made the wrong call with his team selection and duly paid the price.
The Leeds boss is still getting used to the Championship but he needs to understand when is the right time to unleash all of the club’s creative catalysts and when it is best to keep some in reserve.
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