Four games to go, three points ahead, the race for promotion to the Premier League is definitely in the hands of Leeds United themselves.
Those three points put them ahead of nearest rivals Sheffield United, four points from their next two games (vs Wigan and Brentford), coupled with anything less than three points over this spread of games for the Blades would mean top-tier football for the Whites.
That’s all in the future, what is important is that Leeds United focus on just the present. That present continues in two days with the Good Friday game against a struggling Wigan side. The Latics sit in 21st place in the table, only safe from the relegation zone by two points.
With the game nearing, Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has done his customary pre-game presser at Thorp Arch, this time with Kemar Roofe accompanying him.
Five takeaways from the pre-Wigan presser
1. Team news – no change: Bielsa has said that Leeds United will be unchanged from the 1-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday. That saw Bielsa make a hasty change as Liam Cooper dropped out injured during the warm-up. It was a comprehensive display against a more than good Owls side, a display in which they were outplayed.
2. Results first – table next: Marcelo Bielsa is resisting the urge to get carried away with the position of Leeds United in respect of the league table. He says the Whites remain focused on winning the games, getting the three points and after that adapting to what the league table shows.
3. Spirited – with calm expectation: Bielsa says that the players have their expectations, and you can’t blame them for that. However, he says that there is a spirit of calmness amongst them; one that is ready for the upcoming games they have to play. He adds that they are also playing with responsibility for each point yet to play for.
4. Roofe – simply win and we’re up: Kemar Roofe had a very simple response to a question about the position that Leeds United are in the table. For him it is a case of win every game and the Whites are promoted.
5. Lessons learned – from observation: Roofe admitted it was frustrating watching whilst he was out injured. yet it gave him time to appreciate how difficult Leeds United are to play against. He mentioned the relentless pressing and the urgency to get the ball back into play to hurt teams.
