Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot believes Leeds United need to adopt a cup final mentality if they want to achieve Premier League survival this weekend. The Whites' relegation hopes rest on their final day of the season clash at Brentford, with Jesse Marsch's side needing to better Burnley's result to stay up.
The Clarets sit above Leeds on goal difference heading into the final match day of the season after they drew with Aston Villa to draw level on points with the Whites. Mike Jackson's men welcome Newcastle United to Turf Moor on Sunday, knowing that their 20-goal advantage over Leeds will mean a win will keep them up.
However, while Leeds' fate is almost certainly out of their hands should Burnley win, Melchiot, who tasted relegation with Birmingham City in 2006, reckons Marsch and company need to show guts and belief if they want to stay in the Premier League.
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"It's so tricky," Melchiot said on Sky Sports News. "I remember my time at Birmingham when it happened. When you're so close to it because they know it's the final game, it's like a cup final.
"The confidence needs to be with one of the key players. You're going to face a team who might look very relaxed but no, in the back of your mind, even if the coach can say things, you need players that have the guts and the belief to say to themselves 'whatever happens guys, this is like our final and we've got to go for it'.
"But if you don't have players like that, that's the last thing you need and want in your team."
