Leeds United legend Mark Viduka has sent a warning to Daniel Farke and his side after their recent upturn in results.
Daniel Farke could lift his side eight points clear of the relegation zone with a victory over Sunderland, as he looks to steer his side away from trouble.
Leeds’ statement victory over Crystal Palace was the latest in a series of impressive results that have lifted the growing pressure on Farke.
Former Leeds forward Mark Viduka was part of the side that was relegated from the top flight in the 2003/04 season, despite a strong personal record that year.
Now, he has warned Farke and his side that they cannot afford to become complacent in the Premier League relegation battle, despite their recent upturn in results.
What is your prediction when Leeds United face Sunderland on Sunday?🤔
Only won one of the last five against the Black Cats…
Mark Viduka warns Leeds United not to become complacent
Speaking to TalkSport on the morning of 28th December, former Leeds hero Viduka warned the club that they could not afford to rest on their laurels, having climbed out of the relegation zone with eight points in four games.
According to Viduka, the Premier League is the toughest league to survive in, and the Whites cannot afford to let their standards drop.
He said: “When you think about it, just a month ago, everyone was calling for Daniel Farke’s head and how football changes overnight. We needed some results like that.
“They ground out a few good results against some good teams. It wasn’t an easy schedule. And I’m so happy that they’ve got themselves out a little bit.
“You know what it’s like in the Premier League, you can’t rest on your laurels. Any team can beat anybody.
“Leeds saw that, especially against the teams that aren’t as looked upon as the top five. They were struggling to get points out of them. That’s why it’s the toughest league.”
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Mark Viduka starred in 2001 victory against Sunderland
With Leeds preparing for a trip to the Stadium of Light, Viduka knows exactly what it takes to secure a victory against the Black Cats.
Leeds travelled to the North East in March 2001 as they sought to secure a spot in the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
Mark Viduka was the hero for Leeds United in this vintage win over Sunderland 🦘
Can Daniel Farke pull off a similar result at the Stadium of Light?
Although Leeds would eventually fall short of that goal, finishing fourth in the table, Viduka scored the second goal in a famous win over Sunderland to keep their hopes alive.
Alan Smith opened the scoring from a corner but was then sent off for two bookable offences. However, Viduka profited from some quick thinking from Robbie Keane, who beat the offside trap from a quick free-kick, to give Leeds a 2-0 win.
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