Micah Richards has revealed the hilarious reason why he is backing Leeds United to retain their Premier League status in the 2025/26 season.
Leeds United are one of the favourites to be relegated in the new Premier League season after returning to the top flight.
Daniel Farke has taken steps to strengthen his Leeds squad, with new signing Anton Stach impressing in pre-season, but the Whites remain in the hunt for a striker, having reportedly scouted Artem Dovbyk during Everton’s pre-season clash against AS Roma.
The odds are stacked against the newly-promoted sides retaining their top-flight status, with Alan Shearer backing Sunderland to go straight back down.
Now, Richards has explained why he believes Leeds can stay up this season and why he stands to gain if they do.
Pundit Micah Richards looks on ahead of Manchester City FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
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Micah Richards backs Leeds United to stay in the Premier League
Speaking on The Rest is Football, Richards revealed his unexpected link to the Leeds boss. Richards said: “I have two thoughts on Leeds. They play some really nice football, and they have got money to spend. I really like the manager, Daniel Farke, probably more because he rents my flat in Harrogate.”
However, Richards also believes Leeds have the talent in their squad to hold onto their Premier League status, adding: “I think at times last season they played so well. They were always in games, and then they would concede.
“Then, towards the end of last season, they had Meslier, who was in the net, who I still really rate, but they had to drop him. He made a few mistakes late doors. They brought in Darlow just to steady the ship. They got over the line, but they got some really good players.
“They’ve got a player called Tanaka in midfield who really is good on the ball, gets them playing. They bought that, that was it, Stach, I think his name was, who scored in pre-season the other day.
“They have really high energy with quality. Sometimes, on transition, they can be quite naive, and they can get punished. Elland Road will play a massive factor. We’ve all been to that ground and it is electric. It really is bouncing. You can’t get any tickets there.
“They’re literally sold out every week, and I think that could play a massive part in them staying up. So I’m going to say they’re going to find it hard at times, but I think they’ve got enough quality to stay up. So I’m going to say just avoid relegation.”
Leeds United FC manager Daniel Farke on the touchline against Portsmouth FC
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Season opener will be crucial in assessing Leeds’ survival hopes
When Leeds last won promotion under Marcelo Bielsa, they kicked off their Premier League campaign with a thrilling 4-3 defeat at Anfield.
Leeds ended that season with an unexpected ninth-place finish as they took the scalps of some of the biggest names in the competition, including a win away against Manchester City.
Whilst nothing is determined in the first game, Leeds will be hoping to start the season on the right foot when they welcome Everton to Elland Road in their opening fixture.
Under David Moyes, Everton’s defence was notoriously difficult to break down last season. As a result, a low-scoring game could be on the cards, with Leeds still lacking firepower in attack.