Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he did not expect Leeds United to stay up after their rollercoaster season in the Premier League this past campaign. Leeds were in a precarious position when beloved coach Marcelo Bielsa was sacked in February, suffering numerous heavy defeats including conceding 10 in two games against Liverpool and Spurs.
But former RB Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch was able to come in and steer the ship, taking it down to the last day of the season in which Leeds United avoided the drop in dramatic fashion after a late Jack Harrison goal.
That means Leeds end the season in 17th place, with Burnley joining Watford and Norwich in the Championship next season. Leeds can now finally prepare for a third campaign back in the top flight.
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While the club's final day escape act will bring huge relief to everyone connected to the club, the season will go down as a huge disappointment compared to last year's ninth-place finish.
A host of factors contributed to Leeds' struggles this season, with injuries perhaps the biggest contributing factor. The likes of Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper have all had extended lay-offs, with covid-enforced absences also stretching the squad beyond its limits at times.
However, all that counts is that they were able to secure their spot in the top flight next season, something Ferdinand did not see happening.
Speaking on his Five YouTube podcast, he said: "This is what makes the Premier League the best league in the world. In terms of entertainment, the Premier League is unrivalled. There’s people fighting all across the league.
"I thought Leeds, because of their form, I didn’t see them beating Brentford away. I thought they were going down. But they’ve done remarkably well to come out of that. And Harrison by the way, who’s been a good player in the last two years, he comes up with the goods with the late goal."
It was Harrison's first season as an official Leeds player, after spending three campaigns on loan from Manchester City, whilst being at New York City FC - a side part of the City Football Group.
