Leeds United have avoided ‘big blow’ in ‘massive’ training ground verdict – pundit
Alex McLeish has insisted Leeds United avoided a “real big blow” to their confidence by beating Norwich City 2-1 on Sunday.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the dramatic victory will have given the squad “massive” self-belief on the training ground ahead of Friday night’s clash with Wolves.
Leeds needed a last-minute Joe Gelhardt winner to sink Norwich and secure an important three points in their push for survival.
It was the Whites’ first win since the 3-2 victory away at West Ham in January.
McLeish insisted anything but a win would have been a crushing blow to the self belief of Jesse Marsch’s men.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “They had to beat a team that’s below them in the league. Otherwise, that would have been a real big blow to their belief and their mentality.
“Three points were absolutely crucial, especially for Jesse Marsch, for him to make a wee impact in this third game.
“I certainly know that, from experience, when you win a game in the Premier League, no matter who against, there’s a buzz from the players in training the next week.
“I certainly think it will give them massive confidence and massive belief in themselves again. Getting the win, it was a game where you’ve got to beat the teams below you.
“Let’s hope they’re all the Leeds players are fit. All we’ve spoken about for the last year-and-a-half is: ‘He’s out, he’s out…’
“Let’s hope they all remain fit and that team can continue to keep Leeds in the division.”
Leeds currently sit 16th in the Premier League table.
They are four points off the drop zone, though Everton and Burnley both have games in hand.
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