Maritimo loss no worry for O'Leary
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The suspicion that Leeds United may this year struggle to repeat their European heroics of last season's Champions' League has gained ground after their lacklustre performance on Thursday in losing 1-0 to the middle-ranking Portuguese side Maritimo in the first leg of their Uefa Cup first-round tie on Madeira.
Given that their manager, David O'Leary, has been told the Champions' League is the only competition for the club to be in next season, the alarm bells are not ringing at Elland Road. Only the Premiership counts.
Nevertheless, O'Leary would still love to emulate last season's feat of his friend Gérard Houllier and his Liverpool side by lifting the Uefa Cup come May and was irritated by Thursday's performance.
"Of course, I'd love it to be third time lucky for us this season. But my priority is to be talking again next year before a Champions' League game," O'Leary said. "So my aim, and that of all the players, is to be in that competition next season."
Eidur Gudjohnsen's ambitions are not so bold; he wants a regular starting place at Chelsea. The Iceland striker staked his claim by scoring twice in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Levski Sofia, but he was brought back to earth by the news that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who had a European suspension, has avoided a similar fate domestically and can play against Middlesbrough tomorrow.
"Why should I recall Jimmy?" was the teasing comment of Chelsea's manager, Claudio Ranieri, who has described Gudjohnsen as "the future of Chelsea". But the striker said: "I just hope that the future is now. I'm not that young now, I'm 23, and like everyone else, I want to play every week. I did my best to show I'm capable of playing and that the manager can have confidence in me if he does pick me."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments