DBasia.news – On the same day that Leeds United secured the English Championship title, chief executive, Angus Kinnear declared that he wanted his club to qualify for the Champions League in the next few years.
Marcelo Bielsa’s troops officially ended their 16-year ‘exile’ from the English Premier League on Friday, after West Bromwich Albion lost which guaranteed their promotion ticket to the highest caste.
Leeds’ season became sweeter on Saturday following Brentford’s defeat at Stoke City, which ensured their return to the Premier League with the championship status.
Despite the midst of their delight, Kinnear quickly reiterated his hopes that this is just the beginning of the Whites and the next target would be the Champions League.
“As we celebrate, while we all feel thrilled, we returned to where we were supposed to be [the Premier League]. That must be the ‘base camp’ for Leeds United, “Kinnear said.
“Leeds United shouldn’t be a Championship team, they should be a Premier League club, so the challenge starts now and it’s a matter of competing in the Premier League. “Now is the time to push through this and ensure that in the next few years we start competing at the level that Leeds should follow, which is the top six, and that has always been our target.
“Leeds must have a Premier League team. In the end, Leeds must have a Champions League team and that is thr vision. “
Bielsa played an important role in Leeds’ success in returning to the Premier League, but the Argentine manager will be out of contract at the end of the season and the club is determined to extend it.
“Victor, Andrea and I will immediately speak to Marcelo next week to discuss plans for next season,” continued Kinnear.
“He has a review, he knows the direction he wants to go with this club and it starts from the team sector, continues to the changes he wants and the staff, and of course some personal things we have to finish.
“The challenge with Marcelo is that his determination is always a mystery as he is always focused on the next match and you are brave if you try to bother him.
“I think he has fallen in love with this club. I think he is committed. “