Matt Murray questions Leeds United’s promotion chances

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Can Leeds United earn promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking under Marcelo Bielsa?

Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray doesn’t think Leeds United will get promoted this season as they prepare for their opening Championship game against Bristol City.

It was quite a dramatic debut campaign for Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road last season as he guided the club to the play-off semi-finals. They played with such aggression and intensity but were unable to get over that dotted line.

Despite missing out last term, Leeds are one of the favourites to earn promotion this season as their opening match will take place at Ashton Gate.

Speaking to Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports News (03/08/2019 at 2:50 pm), former Wolves goalkeeper Murray raised serious doubts about Leeds’ favourite tag and their promotion chances.

“I think it’s going to be difficult, I really do,” Murray told Sky Sports News. “Losing Pontus Jansson was a big blow. I think he is a very good defender. Are they going to keep Kemar Roofe? There is talk about him going. Kalvin Phillips as well.

“Before August 8, things are going to happen, they are key, key players. I think selling Clarke and getting him back, he’s a good player.

“But the way they play, the intensity, they started well last year. They really hit the ground running. But I am unsure, I’m really not sure. And I think the expectation levels are higher. They’re not one of my favourites. I think Cardiff and West Brom will be above them. They’re going to have to be right back at it. But those intensity levels are so tough.”

Regardless of what happens at Leeds United, there will always be expectations at the club because of the size of the club and the need to get back to the Premier League.

Bielsa has provided them with the best chance of breaking that barren run outside of England’s top-flight, and even though they missed out on the automatics last term, he did seriously prove his worth in his debut season.

Many will back him to prove his worth ahead of the new season as a tough test awaits them at Ashton Gate – a Lee Johnson team that will be aiming for promotion themselves.