Exclusive: Whelan frets over ‘giants’ ahead of Leeds clash v Cardiff City
Noel Whelan fired a warning to Leeds United ahead of their trip to Cardiff and urged Marcelo Bielsa’s side to learn from their mistakes in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
The former Leeds and Coventry striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, pinpointed set pieces as the biggest concern given the “giants” in the Bluebirds side.
Neil Harris’ side boast the likes of Callum Paterson, Aden Flint and Robert Glatzel – all of whom are well over 6 foot.
When the Whites welcomed Cardiff to Elland Road earlier in the season they let a 3-0 lead slip with half an hour to play.
Whelan was concerned by the danger they pose given Leeds’ frailties from set pieces this campaign.
“We found out at home how tricky there are and we let ourselves down on that day,” he told Football Insider.
“We had a substantial lead and crumbled in the last 15 minutes of the game.
“It is a game that we need to be very, very wary of. We know the strengths that Cardiff possess.
“We know they can play football but they pose such a threat when it comes to set pieces because they have giants at the back. They use those physical attributes and that domination that they can have over teams, corners, free kicks.
“We need to be completely on it because we have not covered ourself in glory when it comes to set pieces this season.
“The concentration levels need to be high and the body contact has to be there from the word go. They will push that and try to put it in the box at every opportunity because they are a much bigger, stronger side than us.
“If it comes down to technical ability we will win the game.”
In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED five Middlesborough players have extended their contracts amid potential Ayala transfer.