Leeds United have made a brilliant start to their new campaign and currently find themselves at the top of the Championship standings with only goal difference separating them from Middlesbrough. The Whites are still unbeaten in the league; however, they were knocked out of the League Cup by Preston North End which could be a blessing in disguise as they would now concentrate solely on their league performance.
The West Yorkshire team were held to a goalless draw at Elland Road on Saturday after Marcelo Bielsa’s side failed to break down a resolute Middlesbrough defence. With still 36 matches left in this Championship season, there is still a lot to play for! However, the Leeds supporters can’t help but feel optimistic about their team’s chances of securing a promotion under the tutelage of Bielsa this season.
The Argentine manager has wholly transformed Leeds’ fortunes for the better and has given renewed hope to the club’s loyal fans. It’s high time that the Whites challenged for promotion and so far, they have built up an incredible platform to do so.
Here are three things that Bielsa should do if his players are to have a fruitful season in the second tier of England.
Don’t Get Complacent
The Whites are still unbeaten in the Championship with fours wins, and two draws to their name. However, Bielsa needs to make sure that his men don’t get complacent and keep their foot firmly on the ground. He needs to adopt a policy of concentrating on one match at a time so that his team can manage the high expectations and come out of the other side with flying colours.
Make Elland Road A Fortress
Leeds United needs to make their magnificent home ground a fortress again. Any successful title-winning side has a strong record at home. The Whites need to ensure that their record at Elland Road are second to none this season so that teams can start to fear them even before the match has kicked-off. With more respect, they will have more opportunities to exploit in the opposition half as teams will start to sit deep and defend against this talented Leeds attack.
Prioritise Solely On The League
Bielsa has already seen his side get knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Preston North End. While a good cup run might be important to the fans, Leeds should prioritise and devote their full attention to the league. No one will complain if the Whites win the league but perform poorly in the FA Cup, so Bielsa needs to rotate wisely and use his full squad for a title charge and not for a hopeful cup run.
