“Liam Manning Slams Bristol City Mentality After Leeds Hammering – Issues Urgent ‘Hangover’ Warning Ahead of Final Showdown
Bristol City Miss Play-Off Opportunity After Heavy Defeat at Leeds
Bristol City failed to secure their place in the Championship play-offs after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Leeds United at Elland Road.
Head coach Liam Manning admitted his side were overwhelmed by the occasion, suggesting the atmosphere at Elland Road got the better of his players.
Despite the disappointment, Manning urged his team not to dwell on the loss as they prepare for a crucial final-day clash with Preston North End.
The loss marks City’s second consecutive defeat in 2025, with goals from Ao Tanaka, Wilfried Gnonto, and two late strikes from substitute Largie Ramazani securing a convincing win for Daniel Farke’s promotion-bound Leeds.
Tanaka opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, left unmarked at the far post to tap in from a corner.
Despite several key saves from Max O’Leary keeping the deficit to one at the break, Gnonto extended Leeds’ lead shortly after halftime, chipping past the City goalkeeper.
Ramazani then struck twice in the final minutes to seal the result in emphatic fashion.
While Manning acknowledged Leeds’ quality, he was frustrated by the preventable nature of the goals conceded.
“We spoke about it in the dressing room,” he said to Bristol Live. “It wasn’t just the result—it was the way we conceded.
We played the occasion more than the game. The atmosphere was intense, and we struggled to match that with focus and control.”
Despite the loss, City remain in fifth place heading into the final game of the season.
They sit one point ahead of both Coventry City and Middlesbrough, with Blackburn Rovers also within striking distance in eighth.
A win over Preston North End at Ashton Gate would confirm City’s play-off place. However, a draw or defeat would leave them dependent on other results.
Looking ahead, Manning emphasized the importance of quickly shifting focus to Saturday. “We need to hurt tonight, learn from it, and then move on,” he said.
“There can’t be a hangover. We have to be ready to go again for what’s now the biggest game of our season.”
