Leeds United achieved their primary objective last season of staying in the Premier League.
Despite the incredible work from Daniel Farke and his squad last season, the job is not finished when it comes to establishing United as a top-flight outfit.
The 49ers have another big summer on their hands when it comes to recruitment. Hopefully, they can replicate their success from last year.
When previewing the new season, a former Leeds star recently made a bold prediction regarding where the club will finish.
Eirik Bakke tips Leeds United for a top-half finish next season
Whilst most football fans are fully focused on the ongoing World Cup, Bakke, who made 143 appearances for Leeds between 1999 and 2006, already has his eyes set on next season.
Speaking to Peacock News (via the YEP), a magazine produced by Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia, the Norwegian midfielder had this to say about United’s second season back in the Premier League.
“I really feel that Leeds are on the right track now. If you want to be good on the pitch, you also need to have a good organisation. Now the club has the right people in the right places.
“The system is professional, and I have great faith that we are on our way back as a top club.”
Bakke did not stop there, however, as he was full of praise for Leeds’ style of play. And, he even backed them to finish in the top half next season.
“I like the way we play, I like the intensity I see on the pitch,” he said. “And not least the enthusiasm I experience from the crowd. When we cheer for corners at Elland Road, then we are on the right track.
“Next season we have to establish ourselves among the top 10 teams in the Premier League.
“I am absolutely sure we will achieve that. I have a great appreciation for the way Daniel Farke leads. He is a nice guy who is absolutely right for Leeds as the club is now run by sensible and down-to-earth owners.”
Undoubtedly, Bakke’s quotes about down-to-earth owners is a sly dig at Peter Risdale. Hopefully, any success we enjoy this time in the Premier League under the 49ers’ stewardship will be far more sustainable.
Eirik Bakke may be slightly too enthusiastic on Leeds United ahead of next season
Whilst I love Bakke’s optimism, I think a top-half finish may be a step too far for us next season. Unless we recruit exceptionally well again, our squad is not good enough yet.
Our primary objective should be to simply remain in the division for now. In the future, when we are more established, we can aim to finish in the top half.
The bar for Farke and the 49ers should not be set high going into next season.
If we want to get back to eventually reliving our glory days, like when Bakke was at the club and we were consistently playing in Europe, we need to slowly build up to that position.
Undoubtedly, the increased revenue from the expansion of Elland Road will help. But until that is done, we simply need to stay in the Premier League.
Then, when we have our increased revenue, we can begin to aim to reclaim our rightful place as one of the top teams in English football.
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