Leeds United hero Gaetano Berardi has backed his old club to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt. The Whites' three-year stay in the top flight came to an end last weekend as a wretched campaign saw them slip back into the Championship.
And with Sam Allardyce's departure confirmed this week after his short-term rescue mission ended in failure, they are now searching for a new boss to spearhead a promotion bid next term. But former Swiss international Berardi, who spend seven years at Elland Road and helped the club end its 16-year exile from the top flight in 2020, is convinced Leeds have what it takes to make a swift return.
"I think yes," said the 34-year-old, when asked in an interview with BBC Radio Leeds whether his old club can bounce back at the first attempt. "I think they still have the strength, the power to come back, to come back to the Premier League.
READ MORE: 'One day' - Leeds United hero Gaetano Berardi leaves the door open to an Elland Road return
"I don't know exactly what happened last season. Of course it was not easy, it was not easy for the team, it was not easy for the club and of course for the fans.
"But I am sure they will programme the Championship in the best way possible to come back and to push for promotion and this is of course what we all want."
Berardi made more than 150 appearances for Leeds in all competitions before leaving in 2021 to join Swiss side Sion. He announced this week that he is hanging up his boots, and is preparing to take his coaching qualifications in Italy.
READ NEXT
- Leeds United told ownership question is the 'priority' amid DNA rethink after Allardyce exit
- Elland Road action taken to protect its future against external Leeds United threats
- Radrizzani burned bridges and showed his hand in Leeds United takeover gridlock leaving one choice
- Elland Road ownership split, £25m Leeds United valuation, 49ers shares and Radrizzani vetos
- Andrea Radrizzani's 'behaviour is appalling' claims damning statement on his Leeds United future
