Jamie O’Hara discusses how Leeds would do in Premier League, under Marcelo Bielsa

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Jamie O’Hara has told Alan Brazil’s Sports Breakfast Show on TalkSPORT (Friday, 08:24am) that he reckons Leeds United would be a “real force” in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa – if the Argentine stays.

Before the global health crisis, Leeds were closing in on automatic promotion from the Championship and finally ending their 16-year wait for Premier League football. Sitting top of the Championship tree, they are one point above West Brom.

But with nine games to go and more importantly, Leeds sit seven points ahead of third-placed Fulham. After missing out in the play-offs last season, Leeds are desperate to go one better this time around.

The current suspension has seen talk of the season being voided, completed at its current stage – or played behind closed doors when safe to do so. Promotion remains likely, and O’Hara reckons Leeds would be a force under Bielsa in the top tier.

“They need to get promotion to keep Bielsa. If they do and Bielsa stays, then I think they could be a real force in the Premier League. They are ready for promotion,” O’Hara said.

TBR’s view – FA Cup loss to Arsenal shows O’Hara is bang on

Not only did Leeds lose narrowly to a strong Arsenal side, thanks to a scrappy goal from Reiss Nelson – but the Whites absolutely dominated during the first 45 minutes of the match at The Emirates – even with two debutants in the side.

Illan Meslier and Robbie Gotts both started the match and the 1-0 defeat was just a taste of what Leeds fan can expect next season. Bielsa is not the type of manager to change tactics just because of promotion.

Leeds will continue to attack, continue to dominate possession – and as O’Hara says, could be a real force.