Leeds cult hero Eddie Lewis backs 'crazy' Bielsa to ensure Premier League safety

Leeds United's trip to Chelsea on Saturday is the start of a pretty daunting run of December fixtures.

After facing the champions of Europe, they will then face Premier League holders Man City as well as Arsenal and Liverpool before the month is out.

Whilst that run may invoke fear into some supporters, these are just the kind of games Leeds ' loyal fanbase has been patiently waiting for after years in the wilderness. Last season they had to watch their side's first taste of the top flight in 16 years through TV screens.

This term they get to drink in the atmosphere of their team against the big dogs of English football.

Eddie Lewis was one of the players who ultimately fell short of restoring the West Yorkshire club's status in years gone by.

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He was only at Elland Road for two years but those couple of seasons could not have been more contrasting.

His first campaign saw them reach the Championship play-off final only to lose out to Watford at Wembley in the showpiece.

The following season was a disaster, with United handed a ten-point deduction for entering administration. In the end that docking was irrelevant as the club finished rock-bottom and 13 adrift of safety.

For Lewis, it was a sour way to end his spell at a club where he is fondly remembered.

That fondness is reciprocated and watching from afar, Lewis believes that a slight tactical tweak by Marcelo Bielsa will ensure that 'second season syndrome' does not affect his former club.

Speaking to the Mirror, Lewis said: "Honestly, it's nice to see them where they probably belong. That's what we were trying to do when I was there.

"Obviously we came a game short in one of the years (play-offs).

"But honestly I'm super-excited. I still keep in touch with a few people from back in the Leeds area.

"I was a little nervous for them at the beginning of this season because they had a little bit of a rocky start. But hopefully they've settled in now.

"I hope they stay in the Premier League for many years to come. I do think they need to continue to evolve that a little bit to where they can change the tempo.

"And I think we are starting to see that now a bit more with them."

When quizzed if he would have enjoyed working under Marcelo Bielsa, the American afforded himself a wry smile.

"I think so!" he quipped.

"I really think players enjoy the high-pressing everywhere and it's a really high energy strategy.

"I think as crazy as Bielsa can be sometimes, you get the sense players really enjoy playing for him.

"That says a lot about him."

Lewis was speaking to promote his new venture TOCA Social - the world's first interactive football and dining experience based at the O2 in Greenwich.

It combines immersive football-based challenges with world class food and drink.

Premier League stars such as Michail Antonio and Trevoh Chalobah are just some of the players to have experienced TOCA.

Lewis added: "This is the chance to hit a volley or take a great first touch surrounded by your friends while you're having a couple of great cocktails.

"For most people, once you're done playing and are not able to play five-a-side for instance, this experience allows them to recreate those moments. It's also a way for someone to experience that joy for the first time."

For more information on TOCA Social and to book, click here.