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“Paul Merson Delivers Harsh Reality Check to Leeds Fans – Relegation Incoming?
In recent years, the gulf between newly promoted teams and established Premier League sides has grown significantly.
Clubs advancing from the Championship have often struggled to keep up, and Leeds United face a major challenge next season.
Southampton, who earned promotion by defeating Leeds in last summer’s Championship play-off final, became the first team to be relegated this season.
Despite heavy investment and a flurry of signings, the Saints finished as one of the league’s weakest sides. It’s a warning sign for Leeds as they prepare for their Premier League return.
Manager Daniel Farke, along with his recruitment staff, now has the entire summer to assess and strengthen the squad. Changes are expected at Elland Road, with Junior Firpo likely among the first to depart.
Leeds secured promotion last week when Sheffield United failed to win against Burnley.
With that, Farke’s team confirmed their place in the Premier League for next season. Since then, several pundits have weighed in on their chances of survival.
Among them is Paul Merson, who has already predicted a tough campaign for Leeds.
Speaking to Simon Thomas on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, Merson emphasized the need for defensive solidity to avoid relegation:
“I think so. Keep the ball away from your goal, make opponents work for it — don’t gift them chances. That’s the mindset you need.
Even for a big club like Leeds, the goal is survival. Just aim for 17th — that’s it. Don’t dream about doing what Forest, Brentford, or even Leicester managed in the past.”
Leeds can lean on past experience
Merson raises a fair point about the struggles of newly promoted teams. However, Leeds might take comfort in recent history.
After returning to the Premier League in 2020, they were one of the few promoted sides to avoid immediate relegation and survive two seasons at the top.
That’s an increasingly rare feat, with many promoted clubs going straight back down.
Leeds supporters will be hoping that their team’s experience and strong performances at Elland Road can help them beat the odds once again.
