Leeds manager Daniel Farke has revealed his optimism of leading the Championship team back to the Premier League.
He expressed his belief despite missing the chance to go back to the top of the Championship.
“If you ask me right now, I’m 100% convinced that next season we will play in the Premier League,” Farke said.
Last season, Leeds saw their automatic promotion hopes derailed by a run of only one win from their final six league games, including a 4-0 thrashing at QPR, which allowed Ipswich to claim second place alongside champions Leicester.
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Currently, Leeds are two points behind Sheffield United, who took over as leaders after beating Coventry 3-1 on Friday.
Leeds were five points clear of the Blades after winning at Bramall Lane late last month.
Zan Vipotnik’s 96th-minute equaliser earned Swansea City a point from a 2-2 draw at Elland Road.
But after collecting only six points in five games since, Farke’s side now find themselves second, only ahead of third-placed Burnley on goal difference.
“We have gone many, many steps and right now it’s the final step. That’s always the most difficult.
“There’s never a guarantee of success but we have been in this situation before.
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“I know how tricky it sometimes is to lead from the front but also what is necessary to bring it over the line and we will try everything to make sure the lads have the best chance to make the final step,” Farke said.
Leeds suffered further disappointment in the play-offs, losing to Southampton at Wembley in the final.
However, Farke has insisted that last season has no bearing on their chances this time.
“It’s a different group and a different scenario. Last season we were not in the situation of leading from the front, or had a point gap to the others or the others had to chase.”
