Sky Sports pundit Brian Deane has said that Leeds United have got to show a huge amount of character to come through the playoffs after their “superb” season.
It was confirmed on Sunday, with their draw against Aston Villa, that the Whites would be forced to take to the playoffs in their bid for a return to the Premier League, Norwich City and Sheffield United having mathematically secured a top two finish.
Insisting that Leeds had not put too many steps wrong, Deane highlighted how important the players’ character would be from now on, insisting they can be fearless thanks to their previous performances.
Speaking on Sky Sports News‘ Football Centre (29/04, 10:37) he said: “They’ve been absolutely superb, they haven’t actually done a lot wrong but now it’s about character and I think that some of the players, well, all of the players, in that squad now need to really step forward now.
“The manager, he can prepare them for the games, we know what’s expected, the boys now have to have that character to take it by the scuff of the neck.
“They’ve performed all year, they’ve been the third best team, they haven’t got anything to fear.”
Opinion
Deane is absolutely right – Leeds should have nothing to fear when it comes to the battle for playoff glory. They have just nullified Aston Villa in a fiercely fought draw and have thrashed West Brom in their latest meeting this season. It looks likely that they will have to overcome one of the midlands heavyweights once again if they are to see themselves back among the top flight in August. They really should have been one of the clubs going up automatically and only a last minute dip in form has seen that chance slip through their fingers, although take nothing away from Norwich or Sheffield United and their achievements. That might well have dented the Leeds squad’s confidence and it is down to them to lift themselves up and get the results needed to secure the success they will be desperate for. It will be a fierce battle and whoever does seal playoff glory will be worthy winners after some great team displays all season.