Leeds United Blogsville

Opinion: Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United need to start preparing for the Premier League

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Leeds fans have long been waiting for their return to the Premier League, and after years out of the English top-flight, last season they finally looked like they could be set to make the step back up by winning promotion, although they fell in the play-offs to Derby County.

However, Bielsa’s side missing out on promotion looks like it could have been a blessing in disguise. The Whites don’t have a squad that would have been capable of surviving for long in the Premier League, and the fact that they’ve got more time to improve and prepare for the top flight can only be good.

That’s why the Argentine gaffer, Andrea Radrizzani and the squad have got to start preparing now. They currently sit 3rd in the Championship table on 28 points, and they’ve got an excellent chance of making the jump back to the big time for the first time since the 2003/04 season when they were relegated.

A lot has to go right for the Whites to make Elland Road a Premier League ground again, but it’s certainly doable. The goals from Eddie Nketiah when he finally gets a run of start will help, but the fact that he’s only on-loan is a sign of short-termism and is something to be worried about.

Aston Villa relied upon the goals of loanee Tammy Abraham last season, but when they won the play-offs it then became the job of Dean Smith to find a suitable replacement striker, which he did so when the Villans splashed out on Wesley for £18m (BBC), but Leeds must be more prepared.

Are Leeds ready for the Premier League?

Yes, it's been long enough

Yes, it's been long enough

No, we need new signings

No, we need new signings

Whether or not Bielsa is already looking at players who could come into his side and improve them in January or even in summer should he extend his contract at Elland Road, then they can start planning for a campaign in the top flight should they achieve their aims this season.

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