Chris Wilder has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying he believes opponents benefit from a lack of fans at Elland Road. Leeds ended up finishing in ninth place. But ex-Blades boss Wilder thinks with the presence of fans, they they could done even better.
Wins over Manchester City, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and plenty more saw Leeds achieve a brilliant top-half finish last term. But after a tricky pre-season – and only one major signing – Leeds fans are slightly pessimistic ahead of the new campaign.
Leeds take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. It is a tricky start, not just because Leeds were beaten 6-2 in the same fixture last season. Indeed, it was a result that saw Marcelo Bielsa change his approach and tighten up at the back, somewhat.
What has Wilder said about Leeds?
While Leeds fans are nervous over whether the Whites can repeat their excellent 2020-21 heroics – Wilder delivered an exciting verdict. Despite a poor relationship with Leeds, the ex-Sheffield United gaffer suggests the return of fans will massively benefit Leeds.
He also discussed how Leeds will do ahead of the upcoming season: “I think a few teams got away with it last year, not playing at a packed Elland Road, because I know we’ve had a couple of positive results there and I know how difficult it is to get a result and how passionate they are.”
“The backing that they gave their players. Leeds, even though I haven’t got the best of relationships with because I left a bit on a couple of their players, I’ve still got an awful amount of respect for Marcelo and what he’s achieved. I’m sure that place will be definitely rocking this season.”
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