Gary Lineker defends Raphinha as Ian Wright reveals his frustrations with Leeds star
Ian Wright has indicated Leeds may have been able to celebrate a win at Leicester on Saturday had Raphinha been more clinical in front of goal.
The Whites, who last week turned to new coach Jesse Marsch in an effort to transform their fortunes, slipped to a 1-0 loss at Leicester. Despite dominating, Leeds could not put away their chances. And in their one moment of true quality, Leicester made them pay through Harvey Barnes’ goal.
Leeds now face a crucial period which will effectively, make or break their survival prospects. Next on the horizon are two home games, against Aston Villa and Norwich. Leeds will need to take at least four points in their battle for safety.
It might have been a different story at Leicester though had Marsch got off to a winning start. Indeed, he had words of praise for his players in the wake of their defeat at the King Power.
Their best chance fell to Raphinha, but his close-range effort was very well saved by Kasper Schmeichel. It was the key moment in the game – and one that Wright certainly felt the Brazilian should have done better in.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright said: “I think Raphinha is somebody who has got to do a lot more. I’m very disappointed with the way he played today.”
Raphinha ‘has to score’
Referencing his missed chance, Wright added: “I think he has got to score that. He is somebody who needs to do more, a lot more, for me.”
That drew a reaction from host Gary Lineker, who responded: “Has got lots of ability.”
However, Wright would not back down and continued: “Too much to be playing as poorly as he played today.”
Raphinha has been Leeds’ best player this season, but has suffered a drop in performances in recent weeks.
Those displays has seen him linked with a host of big-money moves to some of European football’s big hitters.
However, he has struggled to replicate his early season form for Leeds. And getting his confidence firing again will be important for Marsch.
The Brazilian has nine goals and two assists for Leeds this season in 25 appearances.
Rio Ferdinand fears the worst for Leeds
Leeds United are in for a “hard slog” according to Rio Ferdinand, who has narrowed the relegation battle down to two teams.
The Whites are just two points above the drop zone after Saturday’s defeat. They could fall into the bottom three if teams below them win their games in hand.
American coach Marsch has just 11 more fixtures to prevent a return to the Championship after two seasons in the Premier League.
With Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal still to come, former Leeds defender Ferdinand is concerned for them.
“I still think it’s a hard slog for them,” the player-turned-pundit told BT Sport after their latest loss.
“I think it’s going to between them and Brentford – I thought it was Burnley up until ten days ago.
“Now I’d say Brentford and Leeds are the two teams in the most danger to follow Norwich and Watford at this present moment in time.”
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