Middlesbrough midfielder Jonny Howson has said that he thinks that former club Leeds United are the best team in the Championship.
Following a mini-slump recently, the Whites have rediscovered their spark and have won their last three consecutive Championship games.
Leeds’ most–recent victory came against Howson’s Boro side on Wednesday night, as they won 1-0, with Mateusz Klich scoring the only goal of the game.
“In my opinion they are the best team in the league, and we gave it a good go,” Howson said to the Middlesbrough official website.
“Sometimes in these tight games the first goal can decide it, and the timing of it today can take the wind out of you.
“We just need a bit more quality to put our chances away.
“But we can’t just turn up against Leeds at home, we need to be doing it week in, week out.”
The victory left Leeds four points behind West Bromwich Albion in the race for the Championship title.
The Yorkshire giants are also five points clear of third place Fulham.
On paper, Leeds are indeed one of the best teams in the second-tier.
They definitely do have what it takes to win automatic promotion to the Premier League ahead of next season and just need to maintain the momentum.
The can ill-afford to have another psychological breakdown as they did last season.
For the majority of last term, Leeds looked as though they were going to win automatic promotion to the top-flight.
A late season slump resulted in them having to settle for a place in the promotion playoffs and they fell in their semi-final against Derby County.
With 11 games remaining in the Championship this season, Leeds need to keep the points coming in, starting with a local derby clash with Hull City on Saturday.
Bielsa will have to now treat every game as though it is a cup final. He has the tactical acumen to navigate his club successfully through the current situation.
