Raphinha has told Sky Sports that he believes Leeds United will avoid relegation this season – despite the club’s tricky 16th-placed position and worrying run-in. He also spoke highly of new manager Jesse Marsch.
Raphinha, 25, has been in stunning form for Leeds ever since his £17million move from Rennes in the summer of 2020. But it is widely expected that the Brazil international will end up leaving the club, relegated or not.
This season, he has clocked up 13 goal involvements in 30 Premier League matches – scoring 10 and creating three more. His 28 goal involvements in all for Leeds, in 62 games, has seen Barcelona come calling, among others.
Deco, his agent, is a Barcelona icon and that is likely to smooth things over if a deal is forthcoming. Whether Barca can afford him, is another question. But right now, Raphinha’s focus is on keeping Leeds in the Premier League.
Raphinha believes Leeds will survive the drop, despite their next three games coming against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. He also gave his verdict on new Leeds boss Marsch, claiming he was well-prepared.
“He came into the club at a difficult time, we’re still in a tough position but he’s brought our belief back,” Raphinha said about Marsch, in an interview with Sky Sports.
“Even before he arrived he knew the players, what we had to offer as individuals and what we could achieve as a team. We’ve had some bad luck this season, but I think we will stay up.”
Raphinha on Leeds, Marsch: What do Whites need to stay up?
With five games to go, Leeds sit five points above the relegation zone – with Everton in 18th. But Frank Lampard’s side have a game in hand over the Whites. The next three games do look as if Leeds will fail to get anything.
But the two games before the end of the season, against Brighton and Brentford, give Leeds a chance to pick up points. Just three might be enough, after their draw against Palace. Leeds have a fight on their hands.
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