With 15 Championship games to play, anything and everything at Leeds United is centred around a place in the Premier League – so much so, that Daniel Farke made 10 changes against Millwall.
Only Ethan Ampadu retained his starting spot in the Leeds side following the 2-0 win away at Coventry City last week, with The FA Cup prioritised over the race for promotion in the Championship on Saturday.
But the 2-0 defeat means focus is now back on the Championship and only, on the Championship. The loss sees Leeds knocked out of The FA Cup but it might be something that Daniel Farke actually wants.
These Leeds players know what to expect from the run-in having experienced it last year, their entire season falling apart in the final few weeks and eventually finishing in third – instead of winning second.
Joel Piroe ‘in his element’ at Leeds United after £16 move
One of those players that is now battle-hardened when it comes to the chase for promotion is Joel Piroe. Last season’s top scorer with 14, Piroe is just one away from reaching that tally this time around.
The Dutchman also has five assists, two more than last term in just 31 Championship outings, starting only 21 of those. Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, Piroe explained how he is very happy at Leeds right now.
“This is a really big club. You can feel it when you walk around here. Everything. The atmosphere in the city, the fans and the history of the club. Man, around those matches, the people here go wild.
“The experience is very intense. In the stadium you’re in a hurricane of sound. Very special to experience that. I am living my dream here,” Piroe continued having joined Leeds for a fee of £16m back in 2023.
Leeds need Joel Piroe and Piroe needs Leeds United
There is no doubt that if Leeds are going to do anything this season, Piroe must be firing on all cylinders in the final 15 games. The failure to sign a striker like Cameron Archer increases the importance of Piroe.
Farke admitted Mateo Joseph struggled on Saturday and it makes Piroe first choice by a considerable margin. Leeds need the Dutchman, but Piroe seemingly needs Leeds as well judging by his comments.
Piroe is desperate to play in the Premier League, telling AD: “Yes, it is such a big competition. It would be an adventure for me too. A step up. I would have to prove that I can compete. It would be really great.”
Sheffield United’s win over Portsmouth means they have reduced the five-point gap to two, but Leeds still boast a five-point gap over third-placed Burnley which is perhaps the more-important stat.
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