Rodrigo fires warning to Leeds fans for second season in Premier League
Leeds United attacker Rodrigo expects a challenging second year in the Premier League but aims to prove the Whites aren’t one-season wonders.
The Whites enjoyed a phenomenal season back in the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa’s stewardship – who guiding them to the highest points total of any team since 2001.
However, since achieving that feat 20 years ago, Ipswich were relegated the following year and haven’t managed to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Leeds must ensure that this summer window, much like the last one, focuses on well-scouted players strengthening the first-team, rather than going for the marquee names who often fail to live up to their billing.
Speaking to The Daily Mirror about next season, the Brazilian said, “We’ve had an amazing season and, of course, we were back playing in front of fans on Sunday.
“There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room, we have a fantastic club. We are looking forward to the summer now, resting a little bit and then onto the next season.
“We hope when we return all of the fans will be back in the stadium. I’m sure next season will be harder than this, but we have a great group and I believe we can do another great season next year.”
Seems committed to Leeds
Rodrigo may have expected to be a regular starter when he joined for a club-record fee, but Patrick Bamford’s performances ensured that the Brazilian played second-fiddle to him or in an unfamiliar attacking midfield position.
Regardless, he seems to be happy at the club and has bought in to the Bielsa philosophy.
He makes an important point about looking forward to the summer as we desperately need to strengthen at left-back and in central midfield.
We’re still not sure what Gjanni Alioski has in mind while Pablo Hernandez’s departure has left us in desperate need of signing a ‘free eight’.
Rodrigo has deputised there, but signing a specialist could help us bridge the gap between the top six clubs.
We must ensure that unlike Sheffield United we don’t make the same recruitment errors as it can have devastating after-effects that could take years to rectify.
With good signings, our second season should hopefully go at least as well as our first back in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, ‘He’s now waiting’ – Fabrizio Romano delivers Leeds transfer blow on ‘Magnificent’ attacker