Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu and Patrick Bamford turn their gaze on Leicester City manager Enzo Maresco after their 3-1 win at Elland Road.
The Whites scored three late goals to complete a stunning turnaround at a hectic Elland Road and secure an important three points in the fight for automatic promotion.
They increased the pressure on Ipswich Town and Southampton for Saturday’s games, while recording Leeds’ ninth successive league win at the expense of the Championship leaders.
With a first half goal from Wout Faes, it looked like the Foxes were going to win, but then substitute Connor Roberts equalised in the 80th minute to ensure Leeds maintained their unbeaten run on home turf.
However, it was Leeds who secured the win as teenager Archie Gray beat Mads Hermansen with a deflected shot just moments later to cause joy on the pitch.
After Leicester lost discipline late on, Dan James scored a free kick from 20 yards out in stoppage time, which deflected off Patrick Bamford’s knee and into the net.
Enzo Maresco’s thoughts on the Leeds United – Leicester City match:
At the pre-match press conference, Maresca said: “The thing to do before the game was: ‘This is a big, big game for them. For us, it’s just another game.”
Maresca added to the pressure on his opponents, adding, “Leeds Leeds are going to play very well: ‘I think it’s an important game and every time we win we are closer to the goal.
“But if that doesn’t happen, we’ll move on. It’s a big game, but more so for them because they are nine points behind us.
“If we are nine points behind, yes, it is a game we have to win.”
Patrick Bamford and Ethan Ampadu’s reaction:
Of course, it was always likely that such comments from Maresco would upset both Leeds fans and the playing squad.
Patrick Bamford spoke to Sky Sports after the game, highlighting his feelings about the game and indirectly criticising Maresco. He sarcastically said, “Given the magnitude of the game, we knew it was going to be a bit loud. It was a pleasure to play in front of this crowd.
“We don’t want to get blown away, as people were saying before the game – it’s just another game.
“There are 12 games to go, so there’s still a lot to play for.”
Ethan Ampadu, Leeds’ captain, added to that with his reaction as he walked through the tunnel, which you can see below.
The reaction continued, and shortly after full time, Leeds’ Twitter account (X) also posted this clear message to Marescu.
A big win for Leeds United:
Leeds knew that this was an important game and that a win would be a big step towards an immediate return to the Premier League.
It could be decisive in the race for automatic promotion this season and potentially also in the title race, as Leeds are now breathing down Leicester’s neck.
Daniel Farke is no stranger to the title himself, having already won two league titles with Norwich City.
However, Leeds’ main objective this season is to secure promotion, whether it be as runners-up or as league winners.