Chairman Radrizzani admits top six-finish is a must for successful season at Leeds United

OWNER and chairman Andrea Radrizzani says his Leeds United side have to be aiming for the top six with anything less meaning an unsuccessful season at Elland Road.
FEAR AND EXCITEMENT: Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani.FEAR AND EXCITEMENT: Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
FEAR AND EXCITEMENT: Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

Leeds are one week away from beginning their new Championship campaign with the Whites approaching the new season after a disappointing finish of 13th last term after finishing seventh under Garry Monk in 2016-17.

Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom have both been hired and fired as head coaches since with Radrizzani now looking to former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa who has become the highest paid manager in United's history.

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Leeds will finish off their pre-season with Sunday afternoon's clash against Spanish Segunda Division side Las Palmas at Elland Road with Championship title favourites Stoke City then providing the opposition when visiting United next Sunday afternoon.

United have so far failed to make a permanent signing this summer with both goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and midfielder Lewis Baker joining on loan deals but Leeds remain on the hunt to tie up deals in the next week and Radrizzani admits the play-offs are the definite aim.

"We are Leeds United, we need to compete for the top," said Radrizzani, speaking to Sky at the launch of United's new home kit and re-opening of the Elland Road club store.

"I think the play-offs are the target and if we were not able to achieve this, it is not a good season for sure.

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"If we do more than that it will be a dream so we know what we fight for."

Asked if he could feel excitement heading into the new campaign, Radrizzani said: "I feel fear and excitement at the same time. Last year I only had excitement but now because of the unsuccessful season I feel fear and excitement which is normally a good feeling to have."