Here are the Leeds United evening headlines on Saturday 13th June.
O’Neil backing Leeds for promotion even without their twelfth man
Former Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City midfielder Gary O’Neil has backed Leeds United to carry through their title-chasing form into their final nine games of the season.
O’Neil knows a thing or two about being promoted from the second tier, doing so on four occasions with Portsmouth, West Ham United, QPR and Norwich. He believes Leeds have what it takes to make it to the top flight, despite matches being played with no crowds.
The former Premier League player did indicate that playing at empty stadiums may hinder Leeds given their support is one of the best in the country, however he still feels their promotion push will still be a successful one.
O’Neil described Elland Road as a “hostile place” for visitors, and with games being played out behind-closed-doors, feels that may help opposing sides.
Nevertheless, the 37-year-old stated he would be “very, very surprised” if Leeds were not promoted at the end of the season.
For O’Neil’s full quotes, click here .
Mentality key to Leeds’ final nine games
Leeds United face a sprint to the finish and are currently leading the Championship table as they look to end their 16-year exodus from the top flight.
Their mentality will be put to the test in trying circumstances, with no fervent Elland Road support to push them over the line. Leeds have been dubbed nearly-men for the past couple of seasons, missing out on the play-offs under Garry Monk and forfeiting their spot in the top two last season under Marcelo Bielsa.
This year, Leeds are leading the chasing pack, with a seven point gap between themselves and Fulham in third, just outside the automatic promotion places.
How Bielsa’s men deal with the added pressure of a title tilt at the business end of the season could ultimately determine which league they play their football in next year.
For more on Leeds’ mentality and other key factors to their promotion push, read the full article here .
Bielsa set for court date
Leeds United boss and master tactician Marcelo Bielsa is set to appear in court over his perceived ‘unfair dismissal’ from former club LOSC Lille.
The Argentine claimed €18.6million in damages following his 2015 sacking and has not given up in his fight to be compensated.
Lille have no intention of bowing to Bielsa’s demands, explaining why Bielsa and his legal team intend to appear in person on 12th February 2021, according to L’Equipe.
Bielsa is said to be claiming damages for ‘gross remuneration’, ‘moral, image and career damage’, ‘loss of luck’ and ‘abusive resistance’ as per the French publication.
The club are also hoping to sue Bielsa for ‘abusive action’ having deemed his demands as unreasonable.
For further details on Bielsa’s ongoing court battle, read here .
