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Reuters
Reuters
Business

Leeds proud to have changed image, says owner Radrizzani

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg - Derby County v Leeds United - Pride Park, Derby, Britain - May 11, 2019 Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani looks on from the stands. Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani said he is proud to have helped the club rebuild its reputation from their 'Dirty Leeds' days to becoming a favoured team of many young fans in the UK.

The club enjoyed great success under manager Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s but were often criticised for their physical approach on the pitch, with Brian Clough describing them as "the dirtiest, most cynical team in the league".

Under current coach Marcelo Bielsa, however, the club have won plaudits for their high-octane pressing game and secured a return to the Premier League in July for the first time since 2004.

"Recently I've seen on social media... about how Leeds became a second team for many youngsters in the country," Radrizzani told beIN SPORTS in an interview.

"Normally you choose the team with the best football and the best style of the team, so I'm very proud of that.

"We're on the right way. I dream to take Leeds to Europe in time. One step at a time."

Leeds are 12th in the standings on their return to the top-flight, picking up 10 points from seven matches.

Radrizzani has made no secret of his ambitions to make the club capable of challenging for the European qualification spots but said establishing themselves in the Premier League remains the top priority for the next two seasons.

"This brand is well known everywhere so if we stay in the Premier League with the opportunity that this club can build... really, we can aim to stay just next to the top six," said Radrizzani.

"We have potential to grow over the next three to five years, and Bielsa has put in the foundations for even the future without him."

(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

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