Exclusive: Farke wants upgrades on Leeds players who won’t cut it in Premier League
Leeds United are full steam ahead in the Championship as they look to achieve a return to the Premier League at the second attempt.
The Whites have been excellent in many games this term, Daniel Farke and his side ruthless in front of goal and possessing numerous match-winners who have secured them vital points against promotion rivals.
Leeds begin their March schedule against West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on Saturday (1 March), and thoughts have been cast over how well their squad would cope in the top flight as it is now.
Leeds United squad needs urgent surgery, says Darke
The stark contrast between the Premier League and Championship has been very evident over the past couple of seasons, with the three promoted sides dropping back down last year and all signs pointing towards a repeat of that this season.
Leeds are steamrolling the Championship at present while for instance Southampton, who overcame Farke’s men in the play-off final last May, are floundering to a pathetic Premier League points total.
As a result, TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, believes extensive upgrades to the squad are required if promotion is eventually achieved, with significant investment sanctioned by Paraag Marathe.
“It may be that Leeds United will look for a lot of new players should they get promoted,” he admitted.
“They lost a few and as I’ve said before, Leeds and Farke will want upgrades.
“There are players in that squad who are very good in the Championship but might not cut it or haven’t cut it in the past in the Premier League.”
Leeds have 15 points up for grabs in March
Leeds have five league games throughout March, with four arriving in the next 15 days before the international break, which will involve several of Farke’s roster.
Leeds’ Championship clash with West Brom is a potential banana skin, particularly with the attacking reinforcements recently made by the fifth-placed Baggies under returning boss Tony Mowbray.
| Date | Leeds United fixtures in March |
| 1 March | West Brom (H) |
| 9 March | Portsmouth (A) |
| 12 March | Millwall (H) |
| 15 March | QPR (A) |
| 29 March | Swansea (H) |
A trip to Portsmouth follows on 9 March, an awkward Sunday midday kick-off for the travelling Leeds fans, and one regarding which in-form Pompey have made Fratton Park something of a fortress in recent months.
Elland Road contests against Millwall and Swansea City come either side of a trip to QPR, and should Farke’s men pick up at least 12 points across the month, one would feel promotion is well within their grasp.