EFL pundit David Prutton is encouraged by Leeds United’s positive start to the season but admitted there is “pressure” on Daniel Farke to secure promotion this season.
The Whites narrowly missed out on automatic promotion despite taking 90 points last season before losing the play-off final to Southampton.
It came with consequences as the club were forced to cash in on a number of stars this summer, with Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter all promoted to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke Leeds United
David Prutton praises the work of Leeds United
Despite this, Leeds strengthened their squad and collected more points in the first four games than in the previous campaign.
Speaking on the Essential EFL podcast, Prutton explained why Leeds could now have a better squad despite losing the influential trio as he highlighted the good work done by his former club.
“I think the job done was admirable in the context of losing three of your best players.
“It’s a better start than last season, which ended with 90 points and a play-off final, so the early signs are promising.
“Summerville and Rutter scored over 50 goals and you deserved it, which, yes, they were very good players, but they still didn’t do what they were there for, which was to get Leeds promoted. That might sounds too harsh, but take the playoff final, sometimes those players are gone.
“Hopefully the squad is more balanced now but from Farke’s point of view the pressure is on to progress. It sounds cut and dry but that’s what Leeds are in the Championship.
“The early signs are very good, very likeable, a lot of work and a lot of expectation. I’ll be interested to see how they go against Burnley and what problems they can cause them.”
Daniel Farke knows the expectations at Leeds United
The reality is that Leeds expect to be in the Premier League, so you have to agree with Prutton’s assessment that there is pressure on the manager to do so.
Many understood that last season was a strange one in terms of the top four and the number of points they picked up, so there was some sympathy for Farke in that sense. But the fans won’t accept him again and Farke will be aware of that.
As described above, they have started well and that should excite Leeds fans as they still have a few new players to get into the squad properly and on paper they have a squad that looks capable of winning the league.
Farke has also excelled at this level, so everything is in place for Leeds to secure a return to the top flight, but now it’s about the execution on the pitch.
Again, many would agree that the early start was positive and the Yorkshire side will aim to build momentum before the international break in October.
Leeds return to action on Saturday when they host Burnley at Elland Road.