Leeds United have had their fair share of setbacks in recent years but the Whites appear to have finally found a level of consistency and reliability under former Swansea City manager Garry Monk. After finishing in the bottom half of the Championship table in each of the past five seasons, Leeds are now fifth – just nine points behind second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
As of November 29th, the Whites have lost just three of their last 14 encounters; and Monk also led Leeds to the quarter final of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2013. Although the Yorkshire club lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the last eight they put in a gallant effort against Jürgen Klopp’s high-flyers.
The Stirring of a Sleeping Giant
The Leeds faithful are starting to believe that this could be their year to get back to the Premier League and 32Red are offering 12/1 on Monk’s men to earn the promotion, either automatically or via the playoffs. At the very least, as shown in the video below, Monk seems to have transformed the mood on the terraces at Elland Road.
Leeds were well beaten when facing an excellent Newcastle United side earlier this month but supporters shouldn’t read too much into that particular result; the Magpies are a class above the majority of their Championship rivals. Rafa Benitez’s men are at the top of the table for a reason and it would take a brave man to back against them in the title race- the Tyneside club are odds-on favourites to win the league at 3/10 with 10Bet.
Monk Has Overseen an Incredible Turnaround
Although Newcastle are flying high at the top, there’s absolutely no reason why Leeds can’t join them in the Premier League next year. Monk’s side won their ninth game of the season as they dispatched 10-man Rotherham United – an incredible achievement considering Monk was only named as manager in June. And with the confidence running through the side, Monk has already started to dream about a possible return to England’s top flight. To put their form this campaign into perspective, Leeds had won just four matches at this point last season and the Whites were sitting in 16th, a handful of points above the relegation zone.
Surprisingly, owner Massimo Cellino appears to have adopted a much more laid-back approach under Monk. The freedom that the controversial Italian has given the former Swansea boss is clearly benefiting the team out on the pitch. Prior to Monk, the Elland Road faithful had seen six different Leeds managers prowling the touchline in the last couple of years; a bizarre record to say the least and supporters will be thankful for a period of consistency and continuity.
Leeds have had six managers since Jack Wilshere completed 90 minutes – @ConorMcNamaraIEhttps://t.co/0FwhdYfj3Rpic.twitter.com/3DOOyfy2b8
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 2, 2016
One of the biggest reasons for their resurgence is down to Leeds’ much-improved defensive unit, and star defender Pontus Jansson deserves plenty of credit for their solidarity and togetherness at the back. The Swede, currently on loan from Serie A side Torino, has been a rock at the heart of United’s defence this season and he is already a firm fan favourite at Elland Road.
Last season, the Whites conceded 58 goals – keeping just eight clean sheets all year. In fact, Leeds conceded at least one goal in 11 consecutive games at the end of last season but Monk, together with assistant manager Pep Clotet, have focused on tightening things up at the back and the Whites are now coming out on top in close contests. Clotet’s close relationship with Jansson from their days at FC Malmo has certainly helped matters.
Leeds have already kept five clean sheets in the Championship this time around, and this is the kind of defensive rigidity required of a team hoping to push for promotion. Maintaining this composure throughout the campaign is key.
Kit Worthy of a Premier League Side
Supporters are willing to pay their hard-earned money on the new kit, arguably one of Leeds’ nicest jerseys in recent times. The stylish design from Kappa has a slick button-up collar with the Leeds emblem standing out proud above the right breast. Last season Leeds were sponsor-less but on the new kit the 32Red sponsor is predominant across the middle. Glasgow Rangers recently clawed their way back to the summit of Scottish football and are also sponsored by 32Red- could this be a sign?
Garry Monk has won the majority of Leeds fans over but the tide could turn quickly if the Whites begin to struggle. At the moment, he is doing all the right things and the former Swansea boss could find himself back in the top flight if Leeds manage to maintain this excellent form. A Premier League return for Leeds is long overdue and fans of football the world over will be eager to see one of the all-time greats challenging at the top again.
