Danny Mills says Leeds fans can be draining

By Will Butcher

Danny Mills has told Sky Sports News (Friday, 10:50am) that Leeds United’s fans can be draining due to the amount of pressure they pile on the squad.

Mills was discussing a trend in Leeds since they regained promotion to the Championship. At Christmas, the Whites look strong but time after time the Whites have dropped off towards the end of the campaign.

Both Garry Monk and Thomas Christiansen have seen their sides go from play-off positions to outside the top six after Christmas. Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, has seen Leeds go from first to third.

The former Leeds right-back stated that the trend is both frustrating and worrying, and tried to explain why the Whites do suffer from tailing off after Christmas. One reason was the fans and the atmosphere at Elland Road.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“The trend is very frustrating for Leeds fans,” Mills said. “Its difficult to say why it happens, pressure? The crowd is always behind them, and if you are going to have a dip in form, now is the time to have it. If they have it now, they can become stronger in April and May when it counts.

“But fans’ expectation is difficult. The intensity that the fans create is draining, especially at Elland Road. I think they will come strong, and if they win tonight they are back on top. I hope they finish in the top two.”

TBR’s view

Leeds fans are renowned to be one of the noisiest fanbase’s in the country. Certainly, Leeds is a sporting City that prides itself on its football, cricket and rugby league clubs.

Just under two decades ago, Leeds were making the city proud. Turning out in the Champions League, Leeds beat the likes of AC Milan and rubbed shoulders with Europe’s best.

So the pressure is certainly big for Leeds to get back where many believe they belong. Perhaps it is overwhelming, but as Mills states – “the crowd is always behind them.”

Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images