Lucas Radebe discusses Leeds United with Ian Wright, comments on meeting with owner

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Lucas Radebe has told Ian Wright in a video posted on the Arsenal legend’s Twitter page that he believes Leeds United will benefit from failing to gain promotion last season – and spoke about a meeting with the club’s owner, Andrea Radrizzani.

Radebe remains a legend at Elland Road after spending more than a decade with the Yorkshire club – initially joining from South African side Kaizer Chiefs in 1994 and remaining at Leeds until he retired in 2005.

In that time, the 70-time South Africa international clocked up a huge 256 appearances for Leeds in all competitions – and even has his own nickname among Leeds fans, known as ‘The Chief’ in reference to playing for Kaizer Chiefs before Leeds.

Speaking to Wright, a player he encountered many times in the Premier League after joining the Whites, Radebe spoke of how last season’s play-off defeat will benefit Leeds – and spoke of the quality of the club’s facilities.

“They’re very committed,” Radebe said. “They want teams coming to Elland Road not confident, feeling intimidated. It is a special place Elland Road. Last season, they were unlucky but it was good they stayed in the Championship.

“I met the owner [Radrizzani] of the club, the stadium, the academy the training ground is Premier League standard. It would be brilliant for the club, and the city. When a team plays well, that City is buzzing.”

TBR’s view – Would Leeds have a chance in the Premier League?

The best indication of whether Leeds would have success in the Premier League with the current squad and under Marcelo Bielsa, is the FA Cup defeat to Wright’s old side Arsenal in January. Although they lost, they deserved more.

Battering the Gunners for the entire first 45, Leeds were unlucky to be knocked out – and that was a side including debutants Robbie Gotts and Illan Meslier, and against a team pushing for the top four, away from home.

Under Bielsa, Leeds are capable of anything.