Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe Zoom call light on detail but full of Leeds United dreams as they aim to narrow Premier League gap

That was the message from majority owner Andrea Radrizzani when he sat down for a Zoom call with the club's new vice chairman Paraag Marathe, the public face of the San Francisco 49ers when it comes to their investment in the Whites.

Yesterday's announcement of fresh investment from Radrizzani's stateside partners, which increased their stake at Elland Road to 37 per cent, was followed by a media blitz that included interviews with national newspapers on both sides of the pond.

They wanted everyone to know that their relationship, one that began in 2018, was moving to the next level.

And as they answered questions about the scale of the investment, its short-term and long-term significance and their future intentions, detail was short.

The focus was instead on a collective vision, shared passion, mutual respect and collaborative work for an even brighter future.

It was big picture stuff.

"We're not necessarily sharing a lot of the intricate details of the deal but what I can tell you is, even more important and valuable than just the money itself, is the level of partnership that we'll be engaging in even deeper now," said Marathe, of the 49ers' increased input into daily life at Elland Road.

"It's not just about myself but all of our executives and the team at the 49ers. We've done a lot of work over the last two decades in transforming the 49ers, building a new stadium, we've built up a lot of experience and expertise. That's precisely what we want to lend to our counterparts at Leeds.

"By no means are we thinking we can come in and have all the answers, we're here to support Andrea, Victor, Angus, coach Bielsa. We've gone through some pretty major transformations at the 49ers, there's a lot we've learned over that time and tool kits and blueprints we can share across the pond. That's really what this is about. I can't tell you necessarily whether it's going to be x days per month, but I can tell you we will certainly be a much more regular presence at Thorp Arch and Elland Road. Not just myself but many of us at the 49ers."

Expertise, in commercial activity and experience, in e-commerce and the modern stadium experience, is what the 49ers will bring to Elland Road, he said. That was about as specific as he got.

When asked if he could envisage a day when the 49ers took over completely, Marathe instead talked about achieving success as partners and paid tribute to Radrizzani's leadership.

The majority owner himself was equally quick to shift the conversation away from detail, simply stating the investment is 'something more' than the £50m reported and insisting the exact share split [63:37] was secondary to the relationship itself.

But he was willing to put some meat on the bones when it comes to his vision, a timeframe in which it can be delivered and his desire to remain in control.

"Maybe one day when I am tired I will give up and be happy for Paraag to be in the driving position more than anyone else, but it will take some time," he said.

“I love what Leeds have made me experience with the joy of promotion, it was unique in my life. I know it takes responsibility and can be strressful at other times but I'm not tired and we're still really far from my target."

He'll be happier still if Leeds can remain in the Premier League this season and then set about the business of climbing the top flight ladder.

Catching the top six is not the aim but Radrizzani wants to position Leeds as one of the next best challengers. To do so requires serious growth.

"With the top six it's almost impossible," he said.

"We need to be just next to them so we need to be in the range of clubs like Everton, West Ham, Aston Villa, the clubs that can challenge the top six and lie just below. That's our position over time if we're good enough and manage the club well on the technical side of revenues. We need to double our revenue in three to five years, that's necessary and hopefully develop the stadium so it can bring bigger revenue and give solidity to the club."

Leicester City is the model to follow, says Radrizzani. But for a club whose unique identity is not only a matter of fierce pride for fans but a commercial selling point, becoming the new Leicester City is not an option.

"I love what Leicester has done over the past 10 years since it got into the Premier League," he said.

"But knowing that we have a much stronger base in terms of brand and popularity, which can bring much more revenue than Leicester, outside of the domestic market in terms of sponsorship, licensing, merchandising, e-commerce - we are bombarded with requests already we cannot satisfy.

"We are still not structured as a Premier League club to satisfy the requests and opportunities for business we have every day. "When we will be I think it will be easier to close the gap."

Investment brings excitement and expectations and Radrizzani has never been one to shy away from ambition.

His first dream was promotion to the top flight and now that it's come true, he's fixing his eyes on the return of European football to what will need to be a redeveloped Elland Road.

"About the stadium it's in our plan and my dream – and I think I share the same dream with Paraag – is to have one of the big European nights in a new stadium with Leeds United," he said.

"Until I accomplish this dream you will see me around for a long time."

It cannot happen overnight, however.

A stadium expansion will require two or three years of Premier League football and Radrizzani insists Leeds will walk before they can run and run before they can fly.

“I'm also realistic that to achieve that level we need to be smart, consistent, current and rational in our decisions," he said.

“This doesn't mean tomorrow we buy a player, unfortunately not because we're already financially exposed by the investment we've done this summer as the sixth biggest club in Europe, investing over £100m.

“As a good custodian we need to respect the numbers and we need to be rational.

"I give myself five to seven years to see the Leeds United I dream of. It's a lot of micro-achievements to achieve that project, that goal, because the club has come from the Championship."

That drew a laugh from his investment partner, one of many they shared during their press conference. Why not? These are good times at Elland Road.

For things to get even better, they both know it will require a serious amount of work, passion and a sombre sense of responsibility.

"You can't view this as just a business opportunity or an economic opportunity, you have to care," said Marathe.

"There is a great deal of humility that I take into this role because I feel like I am just a steward for our supporters.

"This is everybody's club. This is our club and Andrea's club. I feel a great deal or responsibility to help guide it towards success with Andrea's leadership.

"Anything you do or want to build, you have to care. If you don't have passion then don't put a dollar in."