To secure a top-two spot in the Championship, Daniel Farke’s “Whites” had to beat Stoke and hope that Sheffield United did not win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Easter Sunday.
That’s exactly what happened! Joel Piroe scored four goals as they beat Stoke 6-0 at Elland Road, before Sheffield United lost 2-1 in the game later that day. So in other words, Leeds are back in the Premier League two years after they were relegated to the Championship.
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Speaking to the press after the game, a delighted manager said: “The way the lads have handled the last few weeks under this intense pressure, the way we’ve performed, the team spirit and the quality of the performances, as well as the consistency of the results – especially with so many clean sheets – has been absolutely fantastic.
It’s really impressive, and all credit to the players for the way they’ve handled the situation. Not only the quality of the performances, but also the mentality and team spirit have been incredible. These were three priceless points today.”
Leeds and Burnley are in first and second place with 94 points each, and now a direct battle for the Championship title awaits with two games left in the season.
Leeds took matters into their own hands with an impressive 6-0 win over Stoke before promotion to the Premier League was secured.
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Everything Daniel Farke could have wished for happened in the first half. Joel Piroe scored a sublime hat-trick in 20 minutes, Junior Firpo added a goal with his shin, before Piroe again scored the fifth goal after a rebound from Jayden Bogle.
The two smallest players on the pitch, Manor Solomon and Wilfried Gnonto, then combined for a header after an hour – something Stoke boss Mark Robins clearly did not appreciate, as he was visibly furious on the sidelines.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke told Sky Sports:
“I work for a pretty emotional club, maybe one of the most emotional in this country. It’s never easy, because you don’t just have to manage the players, but the whole group that works for the club. Sometimes even the press and supporters.
It takes a lot of energy, but we managed it in the end. I’m proud of the guys. It’s a heavy jersey to wear, but we’ve delivered a great style of play. It is also fully deserved that we are back in the Premier League, where we belong.
After the relegation, it was tough work to stabilize the ship, handle player sales and discussions. We played a very good season with 90 points, before we experienced a heartbreaking loss in the playoff final. Then we had to rebuild, because we once again lost most of the key players. We work under quite strict restrictions.
For example, in January I would have liked to bring in some players, but we weren’t allowed. I was a bit envious of other clubs, to be honest!
But I love working with this group, even though it was a difficult task in a close game with many good competitors. Burnley were fantastic, Sheffield United were great, and Sunderland were in the game for a long time. Securing a top-two spot is a great achievement, and all credit to my players.
We will make sure that Easter Sunday is a long celebration in Leeds. It’s a fantastic feeling, and we’re going to enjoy it.
First of all, I’m just happy. Don’t talk about the Premier League just yet, because all the teams that were promoted last year have already been relegated or are almost guaranteed relegation!
It has been difficult for this club for the last 35 years. There was only one promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa during the pandemic, without spectators.
It’s incredibly difficult to work for such an emotional club, but we did it.”
Solomon: “I took a risk, but it paid off”
Leeds striker Manor Solomon on Leeds’ official YouTube channel:
“This is what I came for! I’m super happy, so happy to see everyone celebrating. We have worked hard all season and we deserve this.
I took a risk by going down in the Championship, but it paid off. I’m proud to have played for Leeds.
This season has been a rollercoaster and very exciting. We had some ups and downs, but we didn’t give up for a second – we kept fighting all the time.
I’m so happy now, I can’t find the words!”
Can Farke surprise and keep Leeds in the Premier League?
Daniel Farke has secured his third promotion to the Premier League and must now manage to keep Leeds in the top flight.
Sky Sports News’ Tim Thornton:
When Farke took over Leeds in July 2023, he admitted that this was the only club that could have brought him back to the Championship.
He saw an opportunity to do something special. After experiencing heartbreak in the play-off final last year, he now gets the chance to realise his vision with Leeds in the top flight.
What makes this season even more impressive is that Leeds lost star players this summer. Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter left the club, and a restructuring that started after the relegation has continued.
Throughout the season, Leeds have shown impressive consistency and secured points in crucial games. They have worn their opponents down with their positional play. At times, they have almost suffocated their opponents.
They have turned Elland Road into a fortress, with only one home loss so far.
“Leeds are falling apart again” has been used by opposing fans to mock Leeds supporters in recent seasons. But this year, Leeds fans have sung it themselves – with a clear irony, as they relentlessly marched towards promotion.
Of course, there have been some small falters along the way, but unlike last year, Leeds have found their form and finished the job.
