Following on from their play-off final loss to Southampton last season, there are some questions as to whether Leeds United can bounce back from the disappointment.
We’ve seen plenty of teams struggle the season after a defeat in the final and Leeds will be hoping to avoid that said play-off ‘hangover’. They are however still one of the favourites for promotion to the top flight and still retain plenty of quality within their squad.
That is despite the fact that they have lost wonderkid Archie Gray, who joined Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the window. A rather large void has been left as a result and its certainly something which the club must address this summer if they want to be towards the top of the table once again.
Something that the Whites do have in their favour, is fairly recent experience of gaining a promotion. Although they may struggle when it comes to the play-offs, a record that no fan wants to be reminded of, they did win the Championship back in the 2019/20 season and therefore know what it takes to get promoted.
A player who also knows what it is like to be a part of a promotion-winning side is former Leeds legend Danny Mills, who gained promotion to the top flight with Charlton Athletic in the 1997/98 season. He is however perhaps better known for his time with the Whites, who he represented at a senior level 140 times and was a part of the Leeds side who reached the Champions League semi-finals back in the 2000/01 season.
Speaking exclusively to The Real EFL on behalf of 888 Poker, the former defender assessed the club’s chances of a promotion back to the top flight.
“Leeds know what to do to get promoted. They were so close last season, whether the pressure just got to them in the end, I am not sure. One issue that Farke had was the merry go round this time last year at the start of the season. You need on average two points a game to get promoted and last year Leeds United didn’t start well at all. It took time to get them going.
“Now, a play-off defeat is hard to get over, but Leeds must start the season well. It’s important they get up and running quickly and getting points on the board. Pre-season is big for them, to ensure they are ready to go from the opening day. Leeds will have pressure, but they have a good enough squad to start the season well.”
A strong start is paramount to any potential success for Leeds this term in what looks to be a wide-open Championship. After three very strong sides gained promotion to the top flight last season and the three coming down all having question marks surrounding them, it could well the Yorkshire side’s year.
They do however have to be consistent throughout the season and not let last year’s disappointment harm them, which is easier said than done.
