When Leeds United travel to Newcastle on Tuesday the 26th, they will have had a ten day break between games.
It could be exactly what they need to get back on track after something of a midseason slump. Following their 1 – 0 defeat to Brighton, their third loss in a row, we are reevaluating what is a realistic expectation for Leeds United.
Leeds United were the archetypal sleeping giant. They’re a legendary English team. They have a world renowned manager in Marcelo Bielsa. They play scintillating football, even if it doesn’t always get them results.
However, they are still a newly promoted team in the Premier League. With 23 points after 18 games, they’re already ahead of schedule for staying up.
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Expecting the emotional surge of getting back to the Premier League to propel Leeds back into the conversation with the big boys was always realistic.
If you take a cold, clinical look at their situation, they have a middle – top of the table Championship squad. They are playing to the maximum of their potential thanks to the pseudo cult figure of Bielsa.
However, his playing style is not perfect. The way Neil Maupway scored against them for Brighton was all too easy. It’s unforgivable defending at Premier League level.
Leeds were used to being one of the best team’s last season. The Premier League is more ruthless. You need to take you chances and you will be punished for defensive mistakes.
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As well as that, they didn’t have a proper preseason this year. Nobody did, of course, but for a newly promoted team it is crucial. Had they had the time to prepare, Bielsa could potentially have ironed out some of that naivety.
Leeds have been impressive, but don’t expect anything better than a mid table finish. It is next season that Leeds fans can really get excited for.
