Redfearn points to defending

Whites caretaker hits out at lack of professionalism

Last Updated: February 11, 2012 7:19pm

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Caretaker manager Neil Redfearn has questioned Leeds' lack of professionalism following their 2-1 defeat by Brighton at Elland Road.

Luciano Becchio cancelled out Craig Mackail-Smith's 77th minute opener within minutes, but Alan Navarro's injury-time winner settled the affair.

The Whites have now conceded 44 goals in 30 league games and Redfearn believes their inability to keep the opposition quiet is a problem.

Problem

"Conceding two so late on is a trait that has run through this season and you can understand why it's been a problem," commented Redfearn.

"Clean sheets win football matches, as daft as it sounds. What they (the players) don't realise is, this is a fantastic club and a fantastic way to earn a living. I need to instil that in them. The problems that have been there in the past are there to see.

"It's a lack of professionalism and that's something that has run through for a while."

Redfearn has Tuesday's trip to Coventry and next Saturday's home meeting with Doncaster to come, and is confident the loss to Brighton will not have severely damaged his chances of winning the job permanently.

"My position doesn't change," he added. "If I looked at it as though I had to win every game I'd never get up in a morning.

"I'm doing my best for the club. There are problems there and that's why I am sat here. If I can help in any way, then great."

Timing

Brighton boss Gus Poyet opted against remarking on the victory after the contest, stating only that he would love to manage Leeds in the future, but not right now.

"I had a great time here and when I came out of the tunnel and looked to the left (at the Revie Stand) it was unique," he said. "There are not many places like that.

"I always try to be honest and I try not to think about what managers will go. But Leeds is a special one. I prefer to wait. If the day is coming, it is coming and then I will think.

"I am lucky at the moment. It's a good time to be at Brighton, I make a lot of decisions. I say there is no chance (of wanting to leave), but it is difficult to say when the place (Leeds) is so spectacular for me.

"It would be great. I would love, in the future, to manage Leeds. I would love to come back, but at the moment the timing is not quite right. For those who want me back, I am sorry."