The ‘anti-Spurs’ tricks that are keeping Leeds up
Perhaps taking the opposite path to Tottenham will become the modus operandi of more clubs in the years to come.
Many have lazily labelled Leeds’ attitude to the transfer market as a “No dickheads” policy, but it is much more methodical than that. As Spurs focused their recent recruitment on young players with the potential to reach for the stars, Leeds went for the tried and tested, especially ones with that crucial knowhow in the relegation dogfight. Like Sean Longstaff’s propensity to pop up with a 97th-minute equaliser.
And as we entered the business end of the season, Spurs have gone one way, with Leeds hurtling in the opposite direction, to put themselves on the verge of safety with games in the bank. They head to Wembley on Sunday looking to book a second FA Cup final appearance in the club’s history.
Leeds looked to be “doing a Leeds” not so long ago, giving supporters a feeling of déjà vu as another season threatened to end in disappointment – the story of most Whites fans’ lives.
Seven games unbeaten later and their sensible summer is paying off. Club insiders highlighted several players who have been crucial to making sure Leeds do not, as their own supporters like to opine, fall apart again.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a shrewd acquisition up front. Getting into double figures on the goal front is only half the story. Sources have told The i Paper it is the standards the England striker asks of his teammates that has helped eke out that telling, survival-defining few yards when it has mattered most.
Patrick Struijk is another who gets more from his teammates in training, sources added. Ethan Ampadu provides guidance for anyone who needs it, leading by example on and off the pitch. James Justin is another dressing room influencer. His previous experience of relegation scraps is seen as a big part of Leeds’ resurgence. More surprisingly, Jaka Bijol is another Daniel Farke believes could be a future captain.
Farke himself has impressed those behind the scenes. His position has been called into question with regularity. Sources added that while the German’s position was never under review, worrying results earlier in the campaign caused some to consider looking at alternatives.
“Daniel is a calm leader,” one source said. “It is a huge job getting a club of Leeds’ size, with the pressure the job brings, into the Premier League. People forget that.
“He knows when to put an arm around the shoulder and when to issue a rollicking. He has been key to ensuring morale has stayed high, even in the tough moments.”
Part of the reason those within the club refused to panic was the feeling remained that the performances were there – away at Sunderland, a superb showing in defeat at Manchester City – but Leeds were not getting the points their endeavours deserved.
The club’s owners have to take some credit for the turnaround. Supporters rounded on club officials to splash the cash on a striker in January. Leeds were interested in Jorgen Strand Larsen, before he elected to join Crystal Palace.
The Norwegian was interested in a move to Elland Road, but the ownership refused to meet Wolves’ valuation, as it would have pushed them perilously close to punishment for breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
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Leeds understand that the lessons of spending beyond their means need to be learned – especially when there is real optimism that things are also heading in the right direction off the pitch too.
Elland Road’s much-needed revamp is underway. The initial phase of its upgrade will take capacity up to 48,000. The same architects who have completed Anfield’s expansion have been brought in, to ensure construction will be carried out on top of the current structure, without any disruption to their current schedule. Sources added the hope is that it will take two to three seasons to finish.
With Chelsea in disarray, Leeds travel south to Wembley – roared on by a support that could have sold out their section two or three times over – with confidence their impressive season could have any even more memorable finale yet.
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