Marcelo Bielsa explains what it will take for Leeds to finish in the top six

“This year the club invested £100million and bought in six players,” Bielsa said. “The make up of the squad and the investment that the club makes to improve the starting XI will mark how long it will take.

“For example, if Pascal is able to make himself as a Premier League centre-back, which is what everything indicates, he is a product of the youth teams. It’s a big help to find those 18 starting players I was talking about.

“So it’s all subject to the evolution of the players who integrate the project. From this season 20-21, there are a number of corrections that are considered until you make up the 18 starting players.”

TBR’s view – What do Leeds need to emerge as a top-six candidate?

They need a defence that can give themselves the basis to attack in the way they do. Too many times this season, they have conceded goals because of mistakes at the back – though the return of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente will help.

A new left-back and a long-term replacement for Luke Ayling should be crucial. Cover for Kalvin Phillips, a Rodrigo De Paul-like midfielder and perhaps a younger Mateusz Klich should also be considered.

Another addition up front and Leeds would have a side more than capable of challenging for the top eight, with a chance of top-six. But who knows, a few wins from now until May and we could see Leeds battling for Europe.