Uwe Rosler has played down Leeds United’s poor pre-season form, and has advised their fans to consider the bigger picture.
The former Manchester City striker was appointed new head coach of the Whites earlier this summer, after Massimo Cellino took the decision not to extend the popular Neil Redfearn’s time in the role. In accepting he became the fourth man to be unveiled in the hotseat since the controversial Italian completed his takeover in January 2014.
Rosler has been told he will be given time to return the Yorkshire giants to the Premier League, something he is not expected to achieve in his first campaign in charge. But despite a poor run of pre-season form which consists of two defeats and two draws, the 46-year-old is sure his side can go on and enjoy a successful 2015/16 in the Championship.
“We have been working on more football-specific fitness, around roles and responsibilities for certain positions,” Rosler told the official club website. “We’re preparing for 10 months. The Burnley game is a very important one but it’s not our last game. We have to understand that we have to be where we want to be in May 2016 (end of season).”
The Burnley game in which Rosler refers to is Leeds’ first of the season, and will be played at Elland Road on 8 August. Before that they take on top-flight side Everton, also at home, in their final friendly before the real action begins. Fans will no doubt be hoping to see such fixtures on the calendar on a regular basis before too long.
