"Now, barring a mathematical miracle in Leeds’ favour, Sheffield United only have to beat relegated Ipswich at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening to return to the Premier League. That would consign Leeds to the play-offs, which have not been kind to them. They have failed to advance through the end-of-season lottery in four attempts and Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa warned that his team must overcome their wastefulness in front of goal to progress.
“This is the summary of our season, many chances to score compared to the goals we actually score,” he said. “If we had normal efficiency we would have 10 or 12 points more. That is not the case so we have to put all our energy in the option we still have."
Bielsa is a coaching genius who has improved almost every player at Leeds beyond recognition. He clearly believes in keeping a tight squad in which every member knows his role in a high pressing style, and the result is the club's best season in the last 15 years. The frustration is that a relatively small additional investment could have secured automatic promotion, although he was genuinely unlucky that the deal agreed with Swansea for Daniel James collapsed right on the January deadline leaving no time to find an alternative. While dropping into the play-offs will be mentally tough, Leeds look certain to finish third and then have the advantage of the second leg at home against Derby, Bristol City or Middlesbrough, leaving the tougher pairing of WBA and Aston Villa on the other side of the draw. A place in the final would be massive, although only the best form from the first half of the season would be good enough for the ultimate prize.