After Leeds United continued their charge towards an instant return to the Premier League – following a 2-0 win at Ewood Park – Rovers boss, Jon Dahl Tomasson reflected on an afternoon full of effort, but sadly no points to back it up with.
“It’s very frustrating that we came out with no points. We’re very disappointed to lose the game as I thought the players played well and put in a very good performance against a Premier League quality team in Leeds United. We knew they’d be very dangerous on transitions and we gave two very unnecessary goals away where Leeds did really well to hurt us with their quality. We remained in the game for a long period of time and were probably the better team in the second-half. We managed to pressure Leeds into their own half and played around them.
“We were lacking a bit of a connection in the final-third, which is what ultimately was the difference between the two teams. They were more clinical, and we couldn’t find the finish when we got into good areas. We managed to break into good shooting areas more times than Leeds, but their quality shone through. My players did everything to try and turn the game around in what was a good atmosphere at Ewood.
“I think there were a couple of moments where our decision-making could have improved and then we probably would have created better chances. It was a game of few chances between two very good teams, but football is won with goals.
“With all the handball shouts in the penalty box, today, I’ve seen many of them given over my career. It was definitely a handball (against Leeds United captain, Pascal Struijk) but the referee thought otherwise. The handball rule needs clarifying, but football itself, is full of passion and debate. I’ve definitely seen similar penalties like that given. Despite that, we mustn’t forget that we’ve played a great team today. I said before the game that Leeds United will gain automatic promotion this season, in my opinion, when you look at their players, their budget and how they play.
“I hate losing. The players hate losing and the fans hate losing. But our players should take a lot of confidence from today’s performance, despite the defeat for the way we played today against a top side.
“We can’t waste too much time when the games are coming quickly over Christmas. Tuesday against Bristol City is another opportunity to have a good performance and I think we should head into that game with great confidence after today’s display, because the performance was very good from the boys.
“Harry Leonard’s withdrawal at half-time was a tactical change. He’s not injured and should be ready for Tuesday.”
