Leeds United head coach Garry Monk is sure he can cope with just three recognised centre-backs after he allowed Sol Bamba to exit the club.
Bamba had a year left on his contract at Elland Road, but despite being club captain had dropped down the pecking order to be just the fourth choice centre-back.
Leeds terminated Bamba's contract by mutual consent recently, something which leaves them with only three recognised centre-backs until at least the January transfer window.
But Monk thinks the situation is one he can handle, while he also explained Bamba's departure.
"I am here to get the squad where I want it to be to be competitive", Monk told a press conference this afternoon.
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"I have to make tough decisions. I asked club to find a solution for Sol. It wasn't helping him being out of the squad.
"Every manager would always want more numbers, but clearly I think we can [cope with just three centre-backs]", Monk added.
Leeds' defence has come under the scanner early on during the season as a weakness from set pieces has been exposed, with the Whites sitting just above the relegation zone in the Championship so far.
Monk's men will have the chance to try to embark on a run of good form this weekend when they play host to Huddersfield Town in a Yorkshire derby clash.
The game will also reveal who Monk has chosen to be the new club captain.
