Leeds United: Heckingbottom admits he's still under pressure at United

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM admits the pressure on his job as Leeds United head coach is 'still there' but the 40-year-old believes and hopes he will still be in his role next season.
Paul Heckingbottom.Paul Heckingbottom.
Paul Heckingbottom.

United face the penultimate game of their hugely disappointing season at Norwich City today with the Whites sat 12th following a run of just 15 points from their last 20 games.

Heckingbottom has overseen 14 of them and there were suggestions earlier this month that owner and chairman Andrea Radrizzani was already running out of patience and considering another managerial change.

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Following a run of just two wins from his first 13 games and an accumulation of just 10 points, Heckingbottom finally bagged the third win of his United tenure with a 2-1 success against his former club Barnsley in last week’s Championship clash at Elland Road.

Paul Heckingbottom with his coaching staff.Paul Heckingbottom with his coaching staff.
Paul Heckingbottom with his coaching staff.

But Heckingbottom admits he is still under pressure to succeed at Leeds though the 40-year-old has confidence and hopes that he will still be in charge next term.

Following today’s clash at Carrow Road, United will end their season with next Sunday’s clash at home to QPR.

Asked if the pressure had been lifted after last weekend’s much-needed victory against the Tykes, Heckingbottom said: “It’s strange because I know it has. But it’s still there. Honestly before the game I wasn’t thinking about it, I don’t think about it, I never have done.

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“It’s there, but it wouldn’t change my approach so we’re going to these next games and if we win those next two game it won’t change my approach.

Paul Heckingbottom with his coaching staff.Paul Heckingbottom with his coaching staff.
Paul Heckingbottom with his coaching staff.

“I know it’s there but it’s not something I want to be thinking about or letting affect what I do.”

Asked if he thought he would still be at Leeds next season, Heckingbottom insisted; “Yes. I hope so. Nothing’s changed.

“We’ve had to answer questions on that as well which at the time there was no questions to answer so nothing changed from our perspective.

“Me, the owner, we’ll be having our usual meetings as and when we can get them and planning how we’re going to attack next season.

“We certainly want the same things, definitely.”