Leeds United are certainly justifying their pre-season promotion credentials with Marcelo Bielsa's side just a point off of top-spot in the Championship heading into the festive period. 

Many Leeds supporters will be pleased to see the progress that their side have made under the Argentine this season, and disappointment in recent seasons will be a distant memory for the Elland Road faithful.

One of the managers that struggled to make his mark on the Leeds side is Paul Heckingbottom, who was dismissed as manager of the Whites at the end of last season, and was subsequently replaced by Bielsa.

In an interview with Express Sport, the former Leeds boss felt that the Whites have got to earn promotion either this season or next year:

"They have all their eggs in one basket now in terms of this season or next (promotion).

"For this sort of hierarchy, they’ve got to do it, they’ve committed to it and are going to give it a good go in terms of finance and throwing everything they can at it.

"Certainly this year or next without a doubt (they will be looking to go up)."

But, the 41-year-old, who is currently out of work, insisted that there is no guarantee of promotion for Leeds given the competitiveness of the Championship this season:

"The league is so competitive and challenging that whilst people have ambitions to go up, there is no guarantee.

"Without a doubt it’s going to be tough, and whoever does it will deserve it because it’s a big grind, 46 games."

Leeds travel to Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, where they will be looking to pile on the misery for Phil Parkinson's side, who have struggled both on and off the pitch this season.

The Verdict

His comments are spot on.

Leeds have somewhat thrown all their eggs in one basket this season with Marcelo Bielsa in charge of the club, and they will be hoping that he is the man to guide them back to the Premier League.

The Argentine is certainly faring better than Heckingbottom did at Elland Road, and he will be confident that his side can return to the top-flight.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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