Tony Pulis has told Leeds United that they need to back manager Marcelo Bielsa in January to ensure they can achieve promotion this season. 

Goals from Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison helped the Whites beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Elland Road yesterday.

That result means Bielsa's side are third in the Championship heading into the November international break–two points behind league leaders West Bromwich Albion.

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After coming so close last season, Leeds will undoubtedly be aiming for promotion up to the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign.

In Bielsa's first year at the helm, the Whites finished third and were subsequently beaten by Derby County in the play-offs.

They will be hoping to avoid the play-offs altogether this season and are currently only outside the automatic promotion places on goal difference.

Speaking of EFL on Quest last night, Pulis sent a message to Leeds–suggesting that they need to provide Bielsa with financial backing in January.

He said: "He will know what they need, it's just whether the board can afford to bring in what he needs.

"They came very, very close last year. I think a lot of people were very surprised at the end of the season that they didn't do it, because at the beginning of the season I thought they were absolutely outstanding. I couldn't see them being stopped.

"I still don't think they have reached the performances and levels of last year but have a look where they are."

Due to the international break, Leeds have to wait 13 days for their next Championship game–a trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town.

A win in that game could see them go top of the league, as long as West Brom and Preston North End both slip up.

The Verdict

Leeds made an important addition in January this year, bringing in Kiko Casilla, who has been a regular fixture in the first team since.

It will be interesting to see whether the Yorkshire club look to strengthen again this year.

You feel Pulis is right, giving Bielsa the money to add one or two players to strengthen the squad could be key to ensuring Leeds can end their 15-year absence from the Premier League this season.