VETERAN Reading FC striker Yann Kermorgant has piled pressure on ‘long-ball’ Leeds United ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Madejski Stadium after suggesting they have 'no plan B’ if Chris Wood is injured (5.30pm ko, live Sky Sports).
Leeds manager Garry Monk is sweating over the fitness of the Championship’s 24-goal top goalscorer after he suffered an injury while on international duty with New Zealand this week.
Wood has proven to be an integral part of Monk’s squad this season with Leeds fourth in the table, two points ahead of Reading below.
And his potential absence this weekend would blunt Leeds’ attacking threat and be a major shot in the arm for the Royals.
Kermorgant, who announced he will retire at the end of the 2017/18 season, said: “We know it’s going to be a tough test. We could end up facing Leeds in the play-offs.
“They have one striker who scores almost all of their goals.
“It’s good for him but it’s dangerous for the team because if he gets injured they have no plan B.”
Yann Kermorgant suggests Leeds United could struggle without Chris Wood this Saturday.
Kermorgant’s comments will do little to help relations between the two clubs following their controversial clash at Elland Road in December.
Royals enjoyed 77% possession on the day but failed to find the net as goals from Chris Wood and Souleymane Doukara secured a 2-0 victory for the hosts.
That led to chants of ‘boring, boring Reading’ from the Leeds faithful followed by a stern response from Stam, who was critical of the home side’s approach, saying: “In terms of way of playing, it’s not my cup of tea.”
Monk immediately hit back, stating: “I felt a bit embarrassed for him, we were happy with our performance.”
Cor these #lufc fans love a nibble don't they 😂 proper obsessed with us. #readingfc
— Big Bad Bob (@Bishbashbobs) 30 March 2017 ">http://
Cor these #lufc fans love a nibble don't they 😂 proper obsessed with us. #readingfc
— Big Bad Bob (@Bishbashbobs) 30 March 2017
However, Kermorgant, 35, slammed Monk’s accusations and insisted his side are a one-trick pony if Wood is injured.
“Our style of play means that a goal can come from any position,” stated the Frenchman. “We play different styles of football but I’m happy with my style.
“Some people say our style of play is boring but we can say the same thing about them (Leeds) because they just kick the ball long.”
I hope we beat Leeds with 75% possession on Saturday, #LUFC fans would have a breakdown #readingfc
— Classic Schmosby (@gibbsey517) 30 March 2017
And he declared: “We are not at the same level, but how many times have people said that Barcelona are boring to watch and they have won everything in the game.
“It’s a different philosophy where you want possession. You want the opposition to think you are boring so they get sloppy.
“Then you can go forward and create danger.”
Chris Wood is an injury doubt for Leeds United.
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