Joel Piroe has openly discussed Leeds United’s promotion ambitions while expressing frustration with the demanding fixture schedule.
Currently, Leeds are on track to secure a return to the Premier League as Championship champions, sitting at the top of the table with 66 points from 31 games.
With a five-point gap between them and third-placed Burnley, Daniel Farke’s team is in a strong position for automatic promotion. However, as with all things in football, nothing can be guaranteed until it’s confirmed.
Piroe Reflects on Southampton Setback
Looking back at last season’s painful 1-0 loss to Southampton in the playoff final, Piroe admitted the result was a “disaster” for Leeds. The Dutch striker is determined to avoid a repeat this time, with a clear goal of earning automatic promotion and bypassing the playoffs altogether.
“I’m not looking forward to the playoffs,” Piroe told Algemeen Dagblad on February 8. “We lost to Southampton in the final last year, which was, of course, a disaster. Plus, the playoffs extend the season by another month, and with the English football calendar already stretching to around sixty matches, we need to get the job done as soon as possible.”
Piroe’s Importance to Leeds’ Promotion Push
Since joining Leeds from Swansea City in the summer of 2023, Piroe has become an essential part of the team. In his first season, the 25-year-old netted 13 goals and registered three assists in 45 league appearances, helping the Whites reach the playoffs.
This season, he’s already surpassed that tally, with 13 goals and five assists in just 31 games. Clearly, Piroe is a key figure in Leeds’ push for promotion.
With Patrick Bamford sidelined due to injury and Mateo Joseph yet to find his best form, Piroe’s fitness and form will be crucial in the final stretch of the season.
Though some fans may worry about his ability to lead the attack in the Premier League next year, it’s likely Leeds will seek additional firepower for the top flight. However, that’s a concern for another time. For now, Farke and the team’s primary focus is staying at the top of the Championship for the remaining 15 games and avoiding the playoffs at all costs, as Piroe emphasized.
‘Disaster’ – Leeds star not willing to compromise on target after what happened last year
