Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has heaped praise on Leeds United after the Whites made a strong start to the Premier League season.
Having watched all three newly-promoted teams suffer relegation from the Premier League in the last two seasons, the odds were stacked against Leeds this season.
However, Daniel Farke has overseen a strong start to Leeds’ top-flight return, having claimed 11 points from the opening nine games of the year.
Leeds are looking to claim a first win over Brighton in 16 years this weekend, as they look to secure another precious three points in their hunt for Premier League survival.
Now, Steve Parish, the Chairman of Brighton’s arch-rivals Crystal Palace, has praised the Whites after their strong start to the season.
Steve Parrish at the Crystal Palace FA Cup Trophy Parade & Celebrations
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Crystal Palace chairman praises Leeds United after Premier League return
Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Parish described Leeds as a “massive club” following their strong start to the season.
According to Parish, all of the newly-promoted sides have caught his eye on their return to the top flight, as they look to avoid the fate of the last six sides that came up from the Championship.
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Parish said: “Look at this season, you know, the promoted clubs have started really well. You know, Leeds are a massive club. Sunderland are a massive club.
“Burnley have got good experience in the division, have stayed in the division before they got into Europe.”
Parish will be able to experience the famous Elland Road atmosphere first-hand before too long, as Leeds face Palace in the run-up to Christmas, with the FA Cup holders travelling to Leeds on the 21st December.
Paraag Marathe attends a Leeds game.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds United can learn from Crystal Palace’s success
Just over a decade ago, Crystal Palace were in a similar position to Leeds, as they looked to establish themselves back in the top flight, having spent a period in the Championship.
However, since returning to the Premier League as a more permanent fixture in the 2013/14 season, Palace have gone from strength to strength.
Since then, Palace have appeared in two FA Cup finals, winning one, and claimed the Community Shield, as well as establishing themselves in the middle of the pack in the Premier League.
The proceeds generated from selling established names such as Eberechi Eze, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Michael Olise have been wisely reinvested under talented manager Oliver Glasner.
Leeds fans expect a lot from their side, but the reality is that it will take time to re-establish the club as a Premier League force. Palace are the perfect example of how that can be done sustainably.