Leeds United: Rosler accepts there ‘is still a long way to go’

Steve Morison’s 48th-minute header ensured United started their summer schedule with a 1-1 draw at a packed Wetherby Road.

Leeds, who fielded different teams in each half, fell behind to a goal from Cecil Nyoni shortly after the half hour but they recovered from a tired start to dominate their non-league opponents after the break.

Rosler employed a new 3-5-2 formation and gave new signings their opportunity to impress as Harrogate made them work hard for the draw.

“Everyone got 45 minutes and there were no injuries,” he said. “That’s the positive thing. Avoiding injuries is a big thing.

“The second half was a better tempo from us and Sol Bamba was fantastic.

“That’s how I wish to see my defenders competing. Lee Erwin also showed glimpses of why we got him. He’s an exciting prospect.

“But for us there is still a long way to go. In the first half, with the 3-5-2 formation, some players were hesitating. They weren’t 100 per cent comfortable but that’s okay. We want to expose them to that and we’ve only had two technical (training) sessions.

“I saw some encouraging signs but I also saw a lot of areas where we have to improve. Roles and responsibilities weren’t always clear but I was happy with how Sol Bamba set the tone in our backline. We were much more competitive in the second half.”