Currently at the top of the table, Leeds United have registered four wins and three draws after seven games. They have scored 15 goals while conceding only four so far and it is easy to get carried away after just seven games in a gruelling forty-six game season. Fans at Elland Road are daring to dream. It is clear from early promises that Leeds United could be destined to play in the Premier League next season.
The excitement started growing in Yorkshire even before a ball was kicked. Appointing Marcelo Bielsa to replace outgoing Paul Heckingbottom was a major statement of intent.
Bielsa began his coaching career at Newell Old Boys in his native Argentina, following which he served stints at Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille. He also worked for a short while at the likes of Espanyol and Lazio (he lasted only two days at the Italian side). In addition, the tactical genius also managed Argentina and Chile in his career that spans over 30 years.
One must note that the Whites produced a magnificent start to the season under Thomas Christiansen last season but finished 13th, 15 points off playoff spots. It was made worse as Leeds’ former boss Neil Warnock led Cardiff City to the top-flight. However, Bielsa could be the one to lead the Elland Road outfit back to the promised land of the Premier League.
No side in the Championship has scored more goals than Leeds so far. In fact, the Yorkshire-based outfit showed their nerve to earn hard-fought draws against fellow promotion contenders Swansea City and Middlesbrough.
From the first few games, it has been evident that Bielsa is unafraid of making tactical and radical changes. He could join Huddersfield Town’s David Wagner and Wolves’ boss Nuno Espirito Santo, as both managers have proven that dedication and tactics – over experience – can earn promotion.
In Bielsa, Leeds have a man who leaves no stone unturned in his quest for greatness. Tougher tests will come, points will be dropped but based on current form, it is hard not to see Leeds at the top in May.
The man who has developed a ritual of sitting on a bucket during matches could finally steer Leeds United back to the Premier League for the first time since 2003/04.
