Leeds United currently sit second in the Championship table after 19 matches ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Middlesbrough and Pablo Hernandez has given his take on the push for promotion.
Daniel Farke came within an inch of guiding Leeds back to the Premier League at the first attempt but a trip to Wembley ended in tears, as Southampton secured a third win over Leeds in the play-off final.
It has seen Leeds succumb to another season in England’s second tier. Last season, Farke made it clear that promotion would be difficult but this time around, it is obvious that Leeds are aiming for promotion.
An eleventh win and eleventh clean sheet saw Leeds go top momentarily before Sheffield United’s draw against West Brom on Sunday saw the Blades return. Chris Wilder though, thinks Leeds are “miles ahead”.
Pablo Hernandez hoping Leeds United can get promoted
The Whites have exactly the same points as they did last season after 19 games, a total of 38. Farke once again has guided Leeds to 11 wins and five draws, while losing three times – the same again, as last term.
One less goal has been scored, but the defence has only conceded 13 which is seven less than last term. Crucially, Leeds are only a point behind Sheffield United while last season, they were eight off Leicester.
Pablo Hernandez is confident, telling Leeds Live: “I watch the games if I can. The right place for Leeds is the Premier League. I hope they come back and we can see the Leeds games in the Premier League.”
Europe? Pablo Hernandez thinks it is possible in next few years
In an ode to Andrea Radrizzani’s comments while Leeds were in the Premier League and had finished in ninth place under Marcelo Bielsa, Hernandez says European football is a distinct possibility in a few years.
Leeds tailed off after Radrizzani’s comments and were relegated a season later having sacked Bielsa. The focus now will be a return to the Premier League but ‘El Mago’ thinks Leeds are capable of going further.
Telling Leeds Live, Hernandez said Europe is possible: “Why not watch Leeds in Europe in a few years? I think it’s a possibility. If that happens, for sure, I’ll come back to watch some games at Elland Road.”
Leeds are aiming for promotion to the Premier League this season and the next outing sees Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough come to Elland Road on Tuesday night, a team which have beaten Leeds 3-0.
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