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“Passionate”- Alan Smith’s Shocking Verdict on Leeds Fans Could Change Everything in the Promotion Race
Tuesday night brings another exciting chapter in the Championship’s thrilling race for automatic promotion, with Leeds United currently holding the top spot.
However, Leeds’ five-point advantage over Sheffield United has been trimmed to just three, following their failure to beat West Brom at Elland Road and Sheffield United’s narrow win over QPR in London.
Meanwhile, Burnley were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 3-0 loss to Preston, managed by Paul Heckingbottom and Sam Greenwood. Despite making nine changes, Burnley are now focusing on the league.
Tonight, they have an opportunity to close the eight-point gap to Leeds to just five, as they travel to Cardiff.
With the pressure mounting on Leeds, Alan Smith has highlighted a crucial factor to consider.
Alan Smith’s Verdict on Leeds Fans Amid Promotion Race
Leeds supporters have been outstanding in recent weeks. The atmosphere during their late wins over Sunderland and Sheffield United was electric, but Smith has raised a concern.
Speaking to FLW, the Elland Road legend acknowledged the passion of Leeds fans but warned that their intensity can sometimes work against the team. Smith even suggested that the 2019-20 promotion, achieved without fans due to Covid, might have been easier.
“It can go both ways,” Smith explained. “The fans are incredibly passionate, but the crowd can get nervous when the stakes are so high, especially as the season winds down.
The last time we went up, it was during Covid, with no fans, and it was probably a little easier.
I’d love them to experience promotion in front of a full stadium—it’s the dream for supporters, getting into the Premier League.”
Leeds United’s Next Three Fixtures Before March Break
The dreaded international break is approaching, and Leeds have three key games to play before a number of their players head off to represent their countries, including Ao Tanaka and Junior Firpo.
Leeds’ upcoming fixtures before the March break are:
- Sunday: Leeds travel to Portsmouth for a midday kick-off at Fratton Park, hoping to shake off their lunchtime struggles.
- Wednesday: They return to action at home against Millwall.
- Next Saturday: Leeds then head to QPR, where they’ll be looking for redemption after last season’s heavy 4-0 defeat at Loftus Road.
