Georginio Rutter has been speaking ahead of Leeds United’s play-off semi-final first leg at Norwich City.
The Whites make the trip to Carrow Road tomorrow lunchtime looking to put the disappointment of missing out on the top behind them, by securing a positive result for the return fixture at Elland Road on Thursday.
Rutter himself will be feeling the disappointment as much as anyone after his drop in form since surgery over the international break, failing to register a single goal or assist in the last eight matches.
The 22-year-old was also the subject of some mocking from Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi after the Foxes pipped Leeds to a place in the Championship’s top two.
Not that he will need any, but hopefully that should give Rutter the extra motivation he needs to get Leeds over the line and back in the Premier League.
Rutter speaks on mood at Leeds ahead of play-offs
Rutter and the rest of his teammates will be looking to be part of the first Leeds side to win the play-offs in the club’s history, having failed in all five of their previous attempts.
Leeds will also be looking to become the first to ever be promoted via this route after losing four of their last six league matches, since the Championship became a 46-game season.
That sort of form will have undoubtedly impacted the confidence levels of Leeds’ squad but with effectively a second shot at promotion, there is no time to feel sorry for themselves.
Speaking on LUTV ahead of the game, Rutter admits there has been a hint of ‘disappointment’ at missing out on the top two, but the team have been working hard all week.
He said: “We didn’t get directly promoted so there is a bit of disappointment but we have to be ready for the play-offs. The mood here in the team is working because we have to improve and go to Norwich to take something special like a win and do everything to go to Wembley.
“We know what we can do, we know the strength of the team. We are a good team, with good guys and I think we are very focused for this game on Sunday.”
Leeds need big Rutter display amid confidence dip
As mentioned, Rutter’s last goal contribution came all the way back in March before the international break. His surgery has clearly had an impact on his performances.
Farke has recently admitted Rutter’s confidence levels have taken a dip lately, but this is a new chance, in a new competition, and it is time to forget the last few weeks.
A fit and firing Rutter will be pivotal to Leeds’ chances with the 22-year-old clearly a key part of Farke’s front four.
Only Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu created more big chances than him in the regular season, while Jack Clarke was the only player to average more successful dribbles per 90.
That just shows how important he can be and hopefully this eight-day period between matches has been enough for him to be fully rested and recovered.
