Nothing can dampen Leeds United’s spirits.
Leeds United’s meagre two wins in eight games certainly isn’t championship material and we dare say a concerning throwback to the misery of the previous 15 years. However, unlike Paul Heckingbottom, Thomas Christiansen, Garry Monk, Steve Evans, Uwe Rosler, and the rest of the utter failures, Marcelo Bielsa has something about him.
Definitely enough to pull them out of this rut, anyhow.
But how?
Step one: encouraging the players to believe in themselves
Talking to Yorkshire Evening Post¸ Pontus Jansson was weary that he and his teammates must overcome immense pressure heading into the final stages of the season. But was quick to add that they firmly believe they are in the best position to do so. And we’re inclined to believe him.
Leeds have repeatedly rescued a result in the dying moments of the game because of their relentless work ethic, most recently securing a tough point away at Middlesbrough.
Leeds have repeatedly rescued results in the dying moments of a game simply because of how hard they work. They did it against Rotherham (one of their two recent wins) and they’ve just done it against Middlesbrough. This is the kind of ethic that gets teams places.
Fans should have every faith in what Jansson is preaching.
Step two: cultural awareness
Jansson also expressed his awareness over the fact Leeds were carrying the hopes of a “city who have woken up.”
Leeds United have been without Premier League football for 15 years now, a criminal amount of time for one of the biggest and most culturally rich clubs in the country, and we’ve always got the feeling that, over the years, players and managers have never really appreciated what this club means to fans.
Bielsa, on the other hand, seems truly aware. As does the selection of young local talent he’s brought through into the first-team.
Wise.
