Leeds United were one of the three teams promoted into the top flight this season. And like with previous years, everybody expected the new boys to go down.
But that has not been quite the case this campaign; both the Whites and Sunderland have put up a very good fight. Regis Le Bris’ side won a lot of points in the first half of the season and are basically safe with three games to go.
Leeds took a huge step towards survival, beating Burnley at Elland Road on Friday night. The Clarets were relegated over a week ago, following their loss to Manchester City. Daniel Farke’s men getting the result on Friday has pushed them to 43 points, with their rivals yet to play. And even with three games left, there is confidence that Leeds will clinch safety in the coming weeks.
Jason Cundy tell Ipswich to learn from Leeds United after Premier League promotion
This weekend also saw Ipswich promoted to the Premier League. The Championship side clinched automatic promotion, finishing second in the league. They will play in the top flight next season, and ahead of their return, Jason Cundy has given them a bit of advice. He said on talkSPORT that Ipswich need to follow what Sunderland and Leeds have done this season, and not go straight down like Burnley.
“Kieran McKenna has three promotions in four years – that takes some doing.
“What they have got to do is make sure that they do something similar to what Sunderland and Leeds did this year in the Premier League.
“Go up and stay up; no point in doing what Burnley have done this year.”
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What did the Whites and Sunderland do this season?
The main thing both clubs did was recruit well; both splashed the cash. And unlike other promoted clubs wasting money on Championship players, they focused on quality. Leeds also got a bunch of players from Europe’s top five leagues that fit the team and style. This was enough for both sides to match their opponents in most games this season.
Making the right decision behind the scenes counts too. Even after going on some losing runs, both Leeds United and Sunderland both backed their coaches and did not sack them at the first sign of trouble. If Ipswich can recruit well and give McKenna time, then they too might extend their stay in the Premier League next season.
