Tyler Roberts believes Leeds United are relishing weight of expectation under Marcelo Bielsa

Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts believes the Whites are embracing the pressure of their supporters this season
Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts.Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts.
Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts.

Tyler Roberts says Leeds United are relishing the weight of expectation at Elland Road and “gelling” as a group after 17 months under head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds will return from the international break with back-to-back away games against Saturday’s hosts Luton Town and Tuesday night’s opponents Reading with the Whites sitting third two points behind Championship leaders West Brom.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United have won their last four at Elland Road and Wales international Roberts says any previous problems of performing in front of big home crowds have been well and truly consigned to the past.

“It’s amazing,” said Roberts, asked if the support and weight of expectation at Elland Road was no longer a problem but an asset.

“If we have a home game, we know we have got that extra lift and that extra buzz from the crowd and it’s a massive thing for us.”

Leeds looked destined to end a 15-year wait for Premier League football last season but fell away.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Defeat to Derby in the play-offs semi-finals followed but Bielsa stayed on for another term and his side are now one point better off than they were at this stage last season. Second-placed Preston are only ahead of Leeds on goal difference.

Reflecting on the differences at United in Bielsa’s second season in charge, Roberts said: “I cannot put my finger on it. But I think we are just gelling as a group and clicking together and the football is a lot more fluent.

“We are creating more and more chances each game and putting them away now. It is good to be involved at the moment.”