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Andy Couzens has told The Boot Room that Victor Orta is aiming to help Leeds United get back into European football over the next couple of seasons – after the Whites climbed into the top half of the Premier League table.
Monday’s comfortable 2-0 win over Crystal Palace saw Leeds leapfrog Arsenal into tenth place, thanks to a Jack Harrison effort and Patrick Bamford’s 12th goal of the season. They even have a game in hand over the Gunners.
European football is currently within their grasp, though it must be said that Leeds have proved somewhat inconsistent this season. Nevertheless, three wins in their last four Premier League matches has seen them rise.
Now in tenth and just five points behind seventh place – which could promise Europa League qualification – fans are beginning to dream. Bielsa was asked about Europe by BBC Sport: “It’s too early. We don’t have the consistency.”
Ex-Leeds midfielder Couzens says Orta has spoken on calls about his passion to get Leeds back into Europe. Couzens also thinks Leeds are more than within a chance of getting into those positions, especially with Arsenal up next.
“If you look at the next few games, we have Arsenal and Wolves – both struggling,” Couzens told The Boot Room. “If we get seven out of the next three games, I don’t see why we cannot be challenging for the European spots.
“We’ve got the ethos with the players, manager. It would be a great achievement. The number one priority is to get to 40 points. I have been on calls with Victor, and the passion for where he wants us to be is European football.
“That might not be this year, but that is where he wants us to be,” Couzens continued. “Can we push for Europe? Absolutely, but first things first let’s be safe and get the fans back in so we can all enjoy it.”
TBR’s view – Leeds are well within a shout of European football
But as Bielsa says, they are too inconsistent. Leeds do not draw matches, they either win or lose matches – winning 10 and losing 10, only drawing twice, which came against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Leeds have a chance. There is no doubt about that and as Couzens says, Leeds could strengthen those claims by beating a struggling Arsenal on Sunday, and then take on an out-of-form Wolves – meaning six points is achievable.
But what must change from now until the end of the season in the next 16 Premier League matches, is that they need to remain consistent. Indeed, they have to probably win more than they lose or draw to achieve a top-seven finish.
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