Mark Hateley has urged Leeds United fans to stay grounded amid rising expectations at Elland Road about top-tier European football next season.
Leeds United have been in outstanding form since the second half of last season, especially when they were being tipped as relegation candidates. Daniel Farke’s revival not only silenced speculation over his future at Elland Road, but it also lifted the club to a respectable 14th-place finish.
This season has been a different story altogether, with Leeds United currently among a group of five Premier League teams still unbeaten. Two wins and three draws have taken the Elland Road side into the international break in fifth place, and some supporters are already beginning to dream about where the club could finish.
Recent games at Elland Road have seen sections of supporters chanting “Get your passports out for Daniel Farke”, a clear nod to European football, most likely the Champions League. However, former Leeds United striker Mark Hateley has urged caution.
Mark Hateley urges calm
Hateley, who played for Leeds United in 1996 and made six appearances in total while on loan, said in comments reported by TeamTalk that supporters need to stay patient. He said Leeds United need more than just good performances, and believes it is still too early to talk seriously about Champions League football.
Hateley said: “They need good fortune. “I still think it’s early days to be looking at the Champions League and all that sort of stuff – it can become a dangerous target for a relatively new Premier League side.
“I think the focus for Leeds has to be on creating an atmosphere and ensuring their team is really competitive. Should I say top 10? I think they are more than capable. But dreaming of anything else, you’ve got to be careful”.
Leeds United’s current form has made headlines, and their unbeaten start to the season has naturally raised expectations. But, as Hateley said, supporters need to keep things in perspective.
Farke is in line for a new deal, according to reports, and that is another sign that the club are moving in the right direction. Even so, European ambitions remain a long way off, and Leeds must first secure their Premier League status as early as possible before setting their sights on bigger goals.