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Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

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Gabby Agbonlahor responds when asked if Leeds can reach Europe

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

that European football is a real possibility for Leeds United in the coming seasons, if they can keep manager Marcelo Bielsa – and bring in some new players in the summer transfer window.

Leeds suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Agbonlahor’s beloved Aston Villa side on the weekend, as Ollie Watkins’ effort at goal inadvertently turned into an inch-perfect cross for Anwar El-Ghazi to score from close range.

El-Ghazi played under Bielsa during the duo’s time together at Lille, but he downed his old manager to climb into ninth place in the Premier League. Leeds, meanwhile, have slipped to eleventh with Arsenal beating Leicester.

It has been a successful season for Leeds, given they have only just gained promotion – and the other promoted teams are struggling in West Brom and Fulham. But Agbonlahor is confident Bielsa can take Leeds into Europe.

Aston Villa v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship
(Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)

“That’s a hard question, I feel they can both [Leeds and Villa] go very far,”, when asked about Europe. “Leeds are going to get some investment, I hear.

“With a few better players in that team, Bielsa can definitely take them into Europe – and the same with Villa. They’re not far off breaking into the top six this season. Both managers can take both teams into Europe.”

TBR’s view – Leeds need consistency

Something they lack at the moment. Bielsa is not going to change the way his side plays, meaning that personnel needs to change – if tactics are not going to. They need a left-back, cover for Kalvin Phillips and another midfielder.

But instead of bringing in players that can provide cover, for the likes of Gjanni Alioski and Patrick Bamford – Leeds need to show improvement and by that, they need to bring in players that are good enough for the starting XI.

That sees the squad improve. Leeds need to add consistency if they are to reach Europe, and win more of the games like Saturday’s narrow defeat. Only better players will help them do that.

Aston Villa v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)