Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has given his verdict on the race for automatic promotion as the Championship season enters its final stretch.
The Whites hold a two-point lead over Sheffield United after last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 win over Millwall at Elland Road.
In the relentless nature of the Championship, United head to St Andrew’s this weekend as they take on Birmingham City, whilst the Blades take on Preston North End. The Blues have lost their last five games, but inflicted Leeds’ first defeat of the season back in September.
With seven gruelling fixtures remaining, many pundits have labelled this as a two-horse promotion race between the Yorkshire neighbours.
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Bielsa, however, refused to try and predict the promotion battle when questioned about the race for the top two.
Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to St Andrew’s, he said: "Football teaches us imagining what will happen is very difficult. One of the things of football is the unpredictable aspect. Imagining the future is not easy."
As we all know, Bielsa is spot on. Predicting the Championship is like trying to walk on water – impossible. We’ve already had so many twists and turns throughout the season and, as we know, Leeds United never do things the easy way.
The Whites chief also refused to rule West Brom out of the running for automatic promotion. The Baggies sit fourth in the table, six points behind Leeds who occupy second, although they have picked up back-to-back wins since sacking Darren Moore.
He said: "I consider all of the mathematical possibilities that can happen. We cannot predict the future."
So, if you have a mathematical chance of finishing in the top two, Bielsa gives you a chance. Good news for all the teams in the top six, however unlikely.
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