Andrea Radrizzani has outlined his plans to get Leeds United into Europe in three to five years in an interview with beIN Sports.
The Leeds chairman spoke to Richard Keys and Andy Gray, where he was quizzed on his long-term goals at Elland Road.
The Italian was initially asked whether the West Yorkshire club would be gunning for the Premier League title and, while he shunned that notion, he was more than happy to say a European spot is the target for the Whites.
When asked if he’d thought about winning the Premier League, he replied: “Not yet. I haven’t thought about that yet. I dream to take Leeds to Europe. But that’s not now. It can come in maybe three to five years.”
Understandably, Radrizzani was asked why he isn’t targeting that goal right now after United’s good start to the season.
He answered: “I think it’s a bit too early. It’s too early and I think everything comes in the right time and we should be ready for that.
“One step at a time. But I hope we don’t go to Europe yet, then we will not be ready next year, and I think gradually. It’s the only thing I’m trying to be wise on.”
While every Leeds fan will love the level of ambition shown by the chairman, there remain questions.
We’ve seen newly promoted sides knocking on the door of Europe very quickly before, so why is Radrizzani targeting it in five years?
Wolves made the Europa League after just one season, while Leicester qualified for the Champions League after two campaigns.
United may not get a better chance than this season to qualify for Europe because Marcelo Bielsa has only signed a one-year deal with the club. Who knows what’s around the corner?
Radrizzani says he doesn’t want European football at Elland Road yet and, while a gradual building process would be much healthier, the Whites should have one eye on the top seven this term.
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