Rafa Benitez delivers verdict on Leeds promotion chances
Former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has said that if Leeds can keep up their same level of intensity this season, they will win promotion to the Premier League.
Benitez was talking in a special Q&A on the Athletic website on Thursday afternoon when he was asked, “What’s your thoughts on Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa this season?”
“I know that they did well last year and are this season,” replied Benitez.
“I know Bielsa. I knew him through my players in Valencia and I have some friends who know him. I met him in Italy for a talk so I know about his intensity and way of doing things. If they can keep this intensity until the end, they can achieve what they want to achieve.”
Benitez knows about what it takes to come up through the Championship after winning the league with Newcastle and he said that was a “massive achievement”.
“The Championship is more physical, you play two games a week, and watching back I think to win this league was a massive achievement.
“People say, ‘Oh, you were the strongest team.’ But Brighton were strong, we finished ahead and we promoted at the first attempt. We managed injuries really well, we managed the load really well, and it made me be a better coach by the end.”
Bielsa has had one shot at the Championship and missed out on promotion narrowly last season.
Leeds are currently top of the Championship after eight games in his second season in charge.