Leeds United today suffered a first defeat of pre-season under the tutelage of Thomas Christiansen, losing 3-0 to Turkish Super Lig outfit Bursaspor.
In a hastily arranged fourth outing of pre-season - and their first match of the Austria tour - Leeds United were comprehensively defeated by Turkish Super Lig side Bursaspor.
A seldom seen goal from central defender William Troost-Ekong, in addition to further contributions from forwards Tomáš Necid and Sinan Bakış, ensured that the Green Crocodiles emerged from the match as merited victors.
The first of that trinity of goals arose in the game's 10th minute, when Dutchman Joshua John's lofted ball into the penalty area was met emphatically by Troost-Ekong - the defender steered a looping header over a hapless Marco Silvestri to hand Paul Le Guen's side the advantage.
At half-time, his charges having established a slender lead, Le Guen elected to field an entirely divergent lineup for the second period. The decision was vindicated on 63 minutes, when Necid planted a thumping header into the back of the net after a precise cross from the left channel.
Bursaspor, whose endeavours dwarfed those of their opponents throughout the match, made certain that their excellence was reflected within the final scoreline with a third goal a mere eight minutes from full-time. Sercan Yıldırım regained possession on the left channel before displaying impressive composure to find fellow striker Bakış on the right, before the latter fired home with aplomb to consign Leeds to a first defeat of pre-season.
Analysis: Fitness and Preparation Remain United's Priorities
Though United supporters will doubtless be discontented by the result in addition to the (reputed) absences of Vurnon Anita, Ezgjan Alioski and Samu Saiz, the scoreline in particular is impertinent to the objective of the Austria tour.
The priorities of the Leeds management are fitness and preparation. Despite having been soundly defeated today, Thomas Christiansen and his coaching staff will have learned a great deal about the players they have inherited in addition to identifying necessary improvements.
While the outcome of this match may serve as a cause for ephemeral frustration among the United support, today shall become a distant memory should the Whites secure victory away to Bolton on the opening day.