Rio Ferdinand questioned: 'What is going on behind the scenes?' as he slammed Leeds United's direction following relegation from the Premier League.
The former Whites defender was full of praise for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa, noting how they were an aggressive and exciting team with a clear identity. But having sacked Bielsa last season, Leeds went through Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce this term as none of the trio were able to find the form to move Leeds away from the relegation zone.
While Ferdinand was critical of the club's lack of direction, he also criticised the players too, opining that in a game of the magnitude that the Tottenham defeat was, they showed no fight in losing 4-1 at home to confirm their relegation.
READ MORE: Andrea Radrizzani's Elland Road proposal explained with Leeds United concern raised
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand said: "What's happened to Leeds? Bielsa gets them up and the positivity was flying around the club. I went there at that time to interview a few players and they couldn't believe it, they absolutely loved it - the atmosphere, the environment, the culture they were creating...
"Then all of a sudden they get rid of Bielsa and what happened? The capitulation there... There was no direction. They went to Jesse Marsch and the identity of the club eroded. They went from being a team with a clear direction coming up to the Premier League - on the front foot, this is us whether you like it or not. They were an aggressive team and they knew they might lose some games, but they would win enough as well.
"They were an exciting team to watch. Obviously they lost a few points and had a bad run under Bielsa, but Jesse Marsch's team, what was the identity there? And to then eventually end up with Big Sam. You just think, what on earth is going on here behind the scenes? What is the idea for this football club moving forward?
"If you're a Leeds fan now, you're thinking, 'what are we now? Who are we? Where are we going?' There was no fight either [against Tottenham], a big game like that. Spurs in disarray, just shut down Kane and Son and you're alright. Fighting for survival and you get pumped 4-1 at home, at Elland Road, at the fortress. Unreal."
READ NEXT:
Andrea Radrizzani's Elland Road proposal explained with Leeds United concern raised
Blindsided Leeds United board floored as Radrizzani's Elland Road scheme broken to them last night
Andrea Radrizzani leaves more questions than answers after breaking Leeds United silence
Sam Allardyce sends warning to Leeds United board before meeting amid 'imperative' decisions
Leeds United's Liam Cooper points to decisions 'on and off the pitch' in emotional message
