Agbonlahor makes bold Leeds prediction for next season
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Leeds United to improve on their ninth-place finish in the Premier League next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England striker claimed Marcelo Bielsa has learned that his side have to adapt their style to different opponents.
The Whites picked up 23 points from their final 10 games of the season, including beating Manchester City and Tottenham, putting them second in the form table.
They finished the season in ninth place, just six points off the European places.
Asked whether they can improve on their position next term, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “If they can continue to play the team they’re playing against…
“What they did that was naive was they played the same way against everyone and getting battered. You can’t do that in the Premier League because, as much as you think you’re aggressive and fit when you’re playing against real quality like the Man United game where they lost 6-1, that’s what happens. You’re too open.
“So the second half of the season, they have been one of the best teams defensively because they didn’t go man-to-man so much.
“If they can do that then next season, then definitely they can improve because there’s going to be game against the big teams they can win. They’ll be more sensible in their approach.
“Everybody learns. Bielsa’s a great manager but he’s always learning. He’ll know now what you can and what you can’t do in the Premier League.”
Leeds ended their season unbeaten at Elland Road against the traditional top six.
However, they lost 6-1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford and conceded three or more goals in defeats away to Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
In other news, Leeds United are confident of signing a 23-year-old after encouraging talks.