Ethan Ampadu has shared what the mood is like behind the scenes at Leeds United after The Whites were stunned by QPR last Friday at Loftus Road, losing 4-0.
Leeds went into the game with the chance to go four points clear of Ipswich Town in second place, albeit with Kieran McKenna’s side having two games in hand but Daniel Farke’s side were easily beaten by QPR.
The London club had the 23rd-worst home record in the Championship going into the game, so it was a complete shock as Leeds were easily beaten by a club that were still fighting relegation in the second tier.
Ipswich took advantage with a draw away at Hull and then beating Coventry on Tuesday. Leeds sit three points behind Ipswich going into the final weekend of the season, needing a miracle to finish above them.
Leeds need to beat fourth-placed Southampton which is a tough ask in itself and must hope that Ipswich lose to Huddersfield. Ben Parker said “miracles do happen” but admitted that there is a “small chance”.
Speaking to LUTV this week after the 4-0 loss, on-pitch captain Ampadu shared what the atmosphere and mood has been like at Leeds behind the scenes going into Saturday lunchtime’s game at Elland Road.
Here is what Ampadu said, describing it as “weird”:
Ampadu shares what mood is like behind scenes at Leeds United
Ampadu and the rest of the Leeds squad could be forgiven for feeling somewhat subdued even now given the defeat has pretty much ended any chance of automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
But there is still plenty to play for, even the small chance of finishing second. Micah Richards thinks Leeds can win the play-offs. That is what Leeds must be focusing on now and Ampadu said the mood is positive.
“As weird it may sound – after the defeat, obviously deflated as you’d expect. Not just by the result but the standard of our performance,” Ampadu said, as Leeds prepare to face Southampton on Saturday.
“We didn’t put our stamp on the game at all and the result was deserved. After that night, the weekend, it was time to regroup. Big week coming up. The last couple of days have been good, lots of hard work.”
Leeds will be without three players on Saturday afternoon
Daniel Farke told his press conference on Thursday that Dan James will be joined by Pascal Struijk and Connor Roberts on the sidelines for the Southampton clash with Roberts unable to return in time.
It leaves Farke with some decisions to make and Byram is expected to remain in the starting line-up at right-back. But it might be that Glen Kamara comes into the side, allowing Gray to return to right-back.
Up top, Patrick Bamford remains a doubt with no decision yet made on the one-time England man after he missed QPR. Joel Piroe really struggled in London and could be dropped if Bamford is fit enough.
