'If we are playing this system' - Joe Rodon makes point about Leeds United formation
Joe Rodon discussed Leeds United’s formation after their 2-0 friendly win over RB Leipzig
Joe Rodon has insisted Leeds United have to be “flexible” in order to be effective in Daniel Farke’s formation of choice.
Much was made of Leeds’ formation change back in November, as the move to a three-at-the-back system was widely recognised as a key factor in the club’s eventual success in their battle against relegation.
Rodon played a crucial role in the central back three, more often than not lining up alongside Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk.
Leeds have continued to deploy three centre-backs throughout pre-season, although there has been a notable fluidity to the 3-4-2-1 set-up.
At the weekend, as Leeds defeated RB Leipzig 2-0 in a friendly, Rodon started alongside Sebastiaan Bornauw and new recruit Tarik Muharemović.
Joe Rodon on Leeds United’s system
After the victory, he told LUTV: “It was good to be back in front of the fans. We know they are a top team, a Champions League team, so we knew it was going to be a difficult game. But I thought we started strong and quick.
“The Premier League is the fastest league in the world so we wanted to come out with intensity and I thought the boys did that.
“There is stuff we have been working on. I think if we are playing this system, we have got to be a bit more flexible. I thought we kind of worked them out a little bit early on.”
Leeds United’s defence
When Struijk left for Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the summer, the need for recruitment at the back was abundantly clear.
Leeds plugged the gap with the £34m capture of Muharemović, who has been an assured presence in his friendly outings.
He looks highly likely to start in Leeds’ Premier League season opener against Nottingham Forest on August 22, but Leeds have two more friendlies yet to play.
Pre-season preparation not yet finished
Farke’s men will do battle with Manchester United in Dublin on Wednesday (August 12) before hosting FC Augsburg at Elland Road on Saturday (August 15).
Rodon said: “I think we have worked really hard and, you know, been relentless in the first three weeks. But we always want to be one of the fittest teams, or most prepared teams.
“It is looking good, we are building minutes, ready to go into the season hopefully firing.”