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Combative Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw believes his career is on the line as his club battles against relegation, though the 31-year-old believes the Yorkshiremen can still beat the drop before the end of the campaign.
Leeds were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City last weekend in Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge, a result that leaves the club in second-last position in the table with three fixtures left to contest.
The strugglers face Newcastle on Saturday afternoon before they finish their season with tough matches against West Ham (A) and Tottenham Hotspur (H), though Forshaw is adamant that he and his teammates have the mettle to keep Leeds in the top flight.
“We can still get out of it” says Forshaw
Speaking at Leeds’s training ground at Thorp Arch this week, Forshaw said: “People probably are thinking we’re going to struggle and we may go down, but I genuinely do think we’ll still get out of it,” said Forshaw.
“The games are well winnable and we showed at times at the weekend we’ve got discipline, we’ve got structure already and yes, I’m confident.”
“It (Everton’s win) was a shock, but there is probably going to be results that shock everyone at this time. It happens every single year. We’re going to have to win games anyway ourselves.
“I didn’t think it changed that much. If we have a good weekend and win the game, they don’t win theirs, we’re back on top because the goal difference is good.
“I didn’t really feel that down about the result because we’re still going to have to win games ourselves.”
Most pressure applied in the Premier League matchweek 35:
1. Adam Forshaw, Leeds United – 59
2. Abdoulaye Doucouré, Everton – 57
3. Jordan Ayew, Crystal Palace – 52#LUFC pic.twitter.com/syK709Poxb— PFF FC (@PFF_FC) May 10, 2023
Forshaw opens up on injury troubles
Adam Forshaw was chosen to start for just the third time in the Premier League this season when Sam Allardyce restored him to Leeds’s XI last week, and the 31-year-old was candid when discussing the fitness issues that have kept him out of the picture for large periods this term.
“In all honesty, I wasn’t right,” he said. “It was probably 60 per cent or something, but I knew Jesse and the team could have done with me at the time because Tyler was suspended for the games over Christmas.
“I was desperate to make it right and try and get back in the team, but I knew deep down I wasn’t right. When I played the Man City game, he brought me off because he wanted me available for the Newcastle game.
“I was clinging on really. The three days were a quick turnaround with the games from the 28th to New Year’s Eve. I was trying my hardest to help the team, but I just knew.”
“I do feel a pressure and a responsibility,” he said. “I’m trying my hardest to help the situation and the team as much as possible, but I wouldn’t now put myself back in if it wasn’t right.
Forshaw’s contract with Leeds is due to expire in the summer and the anchorman admits that his five-year stint with the club could end soon.
“My career is on the line a little bit as well and I do physically feel good enough and ready to help.”
Forshaw joined Leeds from Middlesbrough back in 2018 and has made 84 appearances for United in all competitions since.
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