Leeds United fans are certainly fearing the worst after deadline day. But the players remain upbeat, says Jaka Bijol.
Watching their Premier League rivals, and their promotion contenders in Burnley and Sunderland do business on the final day of the summer transfer window would’ve made for tough watching at Leeds United.
Daniel Farke wanted to sign new players on deadline day but ended the summer without one, despite links to a number of players including a late Leeds United push to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham.
Since, many Leeds fans have voiced concerns about the season ahead. So too many pundits with the overriding fear being that Leeds United simply don’t have enough firepower to keep themselves in the Premier League this season.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesJaka Bijol says Leeds United players remain positive for the season
Despite Leeds fans’ fears, Farke finds his side in 12th place of the Premier League table going into this September international break. Barring Leeds United’s 5-0 defeat against Arsenal, the Whites have looked steady in a win over Everton and a goalless draw against Newcastle last time out.
The international break gives Farke time to take stock, but one player currently away is summer signing Jaka Bijol. Speaking with Slovenian outlet Planet Nogomet, the Slovenian centre-half spoke positively about the mood among Leeds United players after deadline day came and went.
He explained: “All the guys are full of confidence, also because of our previous achievements. We know we can play with anyone. We are ready for a tough opponent. If we help each other, we are confident we can stop them.”
Daniel Farke may not be so optimistic after deadline day
On the surface, Farke will remain as cool as ever. But behind the scenes and in his mind, he’s surely wondering who will score the goals to keep Leeds United in the Premier League this season, as are so many others.
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And Farke’s fears could be traced back to comments he made at the end of last season. Farke made his demands of the Leeds United owners, urging them to be ambitious and made some top quality signings in the summer.
He said: “We won’t speak about the Premier League for the next few days… but this club needs a perfect summer and top-class decisions.”
Whilst good signings were made, not enough firepower was added. Good signings were made in almost every other position on the pitch instead.
There’s huge pressure now riding on the likes of Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin: the latter in particular, given that he’s the sole striker with Premier League experience at Leeds United.