Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United are in contention for direct promotion to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side are leading the Championship table with 66 points, five points ahead of Burnley and Sheffield United who are in second and third spot respectively. The Blades can reduce the gap with Leeds to two points if they win their game in hand.
Sunderland are fourth in the table with 58 points and have played one game less than the Whites and Burnley.
Leeds’ Joël Piroe has given an interview to Algemeen Dagblad where he talks about the ongoing battle between Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United. The top two clubs will secure a director promotion to the Premier League while the next four clubs will battle it out via play-offs.
The striker spoke about the difference in Leeds’ style of play when compared to Sheffield United and Burnley.
“Burnley and Sheffield play more from defence. That’s how they get results, you know. But we force victories more, I think,” he said.
“For me the attack is also more fun. It’s a struggle every week. In England the defenders are always physically strong. And they throw themselves for every ball. There is much more of that dedication than in the Netherlands.
“But I have the best job in professional football. As a striker you can score and then you are the celebrated man. Beautiful, right? I’m living my dream here.”
Leeds and Burnley are still in the FA Cup, while Sheffield United were eliminated from this season’s competition.
“We are now at 31 matches, and the competition has 46 rounds. So, this is a long one. An English football season is gruelling. Because there are also all kinds of cup tournaments in between,” Piroe explained.
“We now have the FA Cup first. Fourth round, at home against Millwall. Also, a heavy pot. And an opportunity, eh. Last year Coventry City almost reached the Cup final. Why shouldn’t Leeds United go to Wembley this year?”
The 25-year-old arrived at Elland Road in August 2023 and managed 27 goals and eight assists of which 13 goals and five assists are from this season. The Dutchman is enjoying his life at Leeds.
“I feel completely at home at Leeds United. This is really a very big club. You can already feel that when you walk around here. To everything. The atmosphere in the city, the fans and the history of the club,” he added.
“Man, the people here go crazy around those matches. The experience is very intense. In the stadium you stand in a hurricane of sound. It is very special to experience that.”
