The team’s recent additions have already made a noticeable impact during preseason action, and the club could still make further moves before the new campaign gets underway.
Leeds have also enjoyed an encouraging run of results during their preseason friendlies, picking up impressive wins against quality opposition ahead of the new campaign.
Daniel Farke will be hoping his team can reproduce the kind of strong start they made last season. The Whites opened that campaign with a dramatic late victory over Everton in front of the home supporters at Elland Road.
Frank Lampard makes Leeds United comment after opening-day defeat
After Coventry City’s opening-day defeat, Frank Lampard has now referenced Leeds as an example of what his side can aim to achieve in the Premier League.
Coventry City, one of this season’s newly promoted Premier League clubs, were unable to produce the kind of opening-day result they would have wanted on Friday night.
Frank Lampard’s side struggled against reigning champions Arsenal, who dominated proceedings at the Emirates Stadium and comfortably secured a three-goal victory.
Following the defeat, Lampard attempted to put the result into perspective by referencing Leeds United’s heavy loss at Arsenal during their first Premier League season back in the top flight.
“Every game won’t look like that. This is an Arsenal team buoyed by where they are at the moment. This was a team that was built and coached to get to this,” Lampard told Sky News.
“I’m more concerned about the personality. I think we were a little bit timid in the first half. It’s hard. Leeds came here and lost the first game 4-0 and stayed in the Premier League. Players will get better and fitter. There are adjustments for us to make, and we’ll make them.”
Lampard’s overall point was understandable, but his comparison contained a significant factual error. Leeds did suffer a heavy 5-0 defeat at the Emirates last season, but that match came in their second game of the campaign, not their first.
Coventry City have a long way to go to emulate Leeds
Frank Lampard had already identified Leeds United and Sunderland as examples Coventry City could follow as they prepare for life in the Premier League. Both clubs successfully avoided relegation last season after making important additions to their squads during the summer transfer window.
However, Coventry still relied heavily on players from their promotion-winning squad in Friday’s starting lineup against Arsenal. With the transfer deadline approaching, Lampard’s side may need to make further additions if they are to give themselves a realistic chance of remaining in the top flight.
Leeds, by comparison, strengthened intelligently during their promotion campaign, bringing in players capable of handling the physical demands and intensity of Premier League football.
Based on Coventry’s performance in their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, it is clear that Lampard’s team still has significant ground to make up.
