Chris Wilder ramps pressure on Leeds United as Aston Villa claim made
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder’s latest comments on Leeds United should be a catalyst for Daniel Farke’s side to seize control of the promotion race.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (17 October), Wilder said the Whites are a top-six-sized club, and made clear that he meant the top six of the Premier League, rather than the Championship.
Farke’s side host Wilder’s Blades at Elland Road on Friday (18 October), with the two clubs suffering relegations in successive seasons as another recently-promoted side, Aston Villa, reached the Champions League.
In quotes reported by the Sheffield Star (17 October), Wilder said: “I think in the world of football, people who know football recognise that Leeds United are a top-six club, without a shadow of a doubt.
“They are an Aston Villa – the history, the support, what they have achieved, what they have won, the players who have played for them, everything.
“We are not a top six club in English football – and I’m not being disrespectful to Sheffield United, we are not.”
Leeds United have to realise potential after Chris Wilder comments
There are certainly big plans in place at Elland Road to help the Whites draw level with English football’s biggest clubs, but the most important progression will of course be what happens on the pitch.
Elland Road itself is set to be redeveloped, rebuilt and finally brought into the 21st century with plans to expand the ground to 53,000 seats, but there’ll be no spades in the ground for a second-tier club.
The Premier League and all the riches that come with it is an absolute for 49ers Enterprises to realise their vision and create a club capable of challenging the top six, but that is dependent on promotion.
Farke’s side winning 90 points and reaching the play-off final last time out, only to fall at the last hurdle, makes promotion paramount this season, but the jury is still out on whether the squad is stronger or weaker.
Big-money departures, none of which stung more than Archie Gray’s, will become commonplace the longer the Whites remain in the second tier, making this season a vital one for the club’s long-term future.
In other Leeds news, one academy starlet can prove himself at senior level after completing a loan switch.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.