Troy Deeney sends clear instructions to Leeds United, Burnley & Sunderland ahead of Premier League return
Promotion to the Premier League: A Dream That Demands Reality Checks
Earning promotion to England’s top football division is often the pinnacle of joy for clubs and their supporters.
But once the dust settles and the reality of competing against the world’s elite sets in, the Premier League can seem far less like the promised land than initially imagined.
Leeds United and Burnley know that all too well, having suffered relegation from the Premier League a combined three times in recent years. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s absence from the top flight stretches back to 2017.
Troy Deeney’s Advice for Promoted Clubs: Adapt or Struggle
Speaking after Sunderland’s 2-1 play-off final win over Sheffield United, Troy Deeney shared his thoughts on how newly promoted sides can avoid the fate that has befallen so many before them.
In the past two seasons, every team that earned promotion was relegated the very next year—Burnley included.
Deeney criticised the approach of teams like Burnley under Vincent Kompany and Southampton under Russell Martin, who stuck with the same playing style that brought them success in the Championship. That approach, he said, doesn’t hold up in the Premier League.
“What I want to see from promoted teams is simple: don’t try to outplay Premier League teams at their own game—you just can’t,” Deeney said on CBS Sports Golazo. “Be physical, be aggressive, take your chances when they come, and above all, enjoy the process.”
Defence: The Key to Survival
Nigel Reo-Coker, Deeney’s co-presenter, echoed the sentiment that grit and pragmatism are essential. He emphasized that having a strong backline is the foundation for staying in the Premier League.
Reo-Coker believes Burnley—now managed by Scott Parker—are best positioned to succeed thanks to their defensive strength.
“Defence wins championships, but more importantly, it keeps you in the Premier League,” Reo-Coker said. “If you can build from a solid defence, add creativity up front, and find a reliable goal scorer, you give yourself a real chance.”
He noted Burnley’s impressive 29 clean sheets as a sign of how well-drilled and resilient they already are under Parker. “They’re hard to break down and already have an identity. For me, they’re the best prepared of the promoted sides.”
Counter-Attacking Will Be Crucial
According to The Athletic, the Premier League was the most counter-attacking league in Europe last season. That trend means that the newly promoted clubs are unlikely to dominate possession and will need to be clinical on the break.
Sunderland showcased this ability during the play-offs, using pace and precision to beat both Coventry City and Sheffield United. Their 20-year-old striker Eliezer Mayenda was key to their success, and more of that style will be needed next season.
For Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley, the summer transfer window will be vital. Each will need to recruit forwards who can thrive on limited chances and hit opponents on the counter—something that could make the difference between survival and a swift return to the Championship.
