Borrowing a phrase from one of Will Ferrell’s films: “If you’re not first, you’re last.” And this has always been the case in the all-or-nothing nature of the Championship play-offs, while for Leeds United the difference between winning and losing is stark.
Ferrel has invested in the club, underscoring his potential in the eyes of the Hollywood star and high-profile 49ers Enterprises sponsors like Russell Crowe, Jordan Spieth and Michael Phelps. Ferrell played a NASCAR driver in Talladega Nights: Ricky Bobby’s Ballad and for his latest football project the race is to return to the Premier League, whether in the next fortnight or in the coming seasons.
“He’s a great actor and we’re all happy he’s on board,” he said. Leeds manager Daniel Farke. “But it’s up to the players to bring success. We can’t throw the ball over the line.”
It’s not exactly win or lose for Leeds, who begin the play-offs against Norwich in the semi-finals this weekend. But there is a contrast between the glory of Wembley and the £135 million-plus that comes with promotion and a tricky summer where players will return from loans and vultures will circle around exciting talent.
Just looking at the players who were loaned out after relegation from the top flight tells a story. Eight senior players are set to return at the end of the season, while Robin Koch and Luis Sinisterra have already agreed permanent deals after walking away. Others will certainly follow if they fail to return to the Premier League.
There is optimism that players like Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Max Wöber and Jack Harrison have done enough during the current campaign to interest clubs, which financially eases the pain of not being among the elite. Other young players have been on the radar of Premier League clubs, notably Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto, whose talent means they should return to the Premier League sooner or later.
There should be enough to ensure there is no freefall if results follow history, as Leeds have never been promoted to the play-offs. This could lead to interesting negotiations, with Leeds knowing the value of their players and buying clubs, inevitably trying to sign talent at a cheaper price. Players who could be difficult to sell for the right price include Brenden Aaronson, who started 12 Bundesliga games for Union Berlin and cost £25m two years ago.
Leeds have assets in their squad that are attractive to others, but would prefer them to play in a white shirt next season in the Premier League. Standing in their way is a two-legged draw that pits Farke against his former club. They have been at a team dinner this week as they look to regain the momentum lost in the final weeks of the season when they have won once in their last six games.
Norwich manager David Wagner Speaking with The telegraphinsisted Leeds are under pressure to win promotion and his sentiments were echoed by Carrow Road players speaking about the semi-final.
“I don’t believe in mind games,” Farke said. “Every team wants to win. If you win you are happy and if you lose you are not happy. Pressure on both teams. Both teams earned that right for a chance at promotion. Both sides want to do this. Don’t think that anyone down there isn’t willing to get promoted and stay in the league.”
Leeds have achieved 90 points this season but Farke has not been immune to criticism, with his tactics being questioned. He insists, heading into the play-offs, that he will not change his methods at this stage of the campaign.
“Tactics are important, what we want to do with and without the ball,” Farke said. “We work on it. We didn’t press a magic button and change our entire approach to parking the bus or putting the balls out of the stadium. That’s not my team. We will try to be ourselves and control the game when necessary.
“I trust my players. It’s not about me. It’s not about playing chess with the opponent’s coach. In such a difficult game, it is the players who decide things. Managers are there to support and support them. We prepared them as best we could, but the game will not be won or lost by big decisions on the sideline.”
