Leeds United U21s won 3-0 against Nottingham Forest on Monday night to secure promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1.
Michal Pujdak believes Leeds United Under-21s are ‘back where they belong’ following their promotion to Premier League 2 Division 1 on Monday night. The youthful Whites cruised to a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in their play-off final at Elland Road, and that was enough to restore their place in the top division at the first time of asking.
Record signing at the club Georginio Rutter put United ahead, capitalizing on a strong start to score his first goal in Leeds blue, tapping skipper Mateo Joseph’s cross home. Jeremiah Mullen extended the lead with a goal of the season candidate, volleying into the bottom corner of the net from a rather tight angle.
Kris Moore sealed the victory for Leeds with a powerful header in the second half, ensuring the U21s brought a fitting finale to a great season in West Yorkshire.
“It’s a really good feeling,” Pujdak, the U21s assistant head coach said after watching his players lift the play-off final trophy. “We want to be playing with the best teams week in, week out.
“With the quality of the academy programme that we have in place, I think it’s really important that we go back to Division 1 and give the players that experience where they can compete with the best.”
Tonight, I believe, is simply a byproduct of the entire season. Every day, the guys have been putting in a lot of effort. So seeing them having so much fun with the ball, defend so hard, and press so high is just extremely satisfying.”
“I think it’s a relief in some ways, and we were very confident that we could get promoted this season,” he continued. We have a really talented bunch of players.
“The club spends a lot of money to bring in young players, and our job is to help them prepare for first-team duties.” So I think it’s incredibly significant and fulfilling to have those players compete together and gain promotion for the club.”
Leeds has seen a number of players earn names for themselves this season because to their solid performances in the Premier League 2 Division 2 competition. Joseph scored 17 goals in all competitions and will travel to Brazil with Darko Gyabi later this month to represent England in the U20 World Cup.
Sonny Perkins scored 12 goals in his maiden season in West Yorkshire, while Archie Gray, Charlie Allen, Moore, and Mullen were among others to stand out and capture the attention in the U21s side this season.
“Yes, for sure,” Pujdak replied when asked if some of his players are close to making the jump to the senior squad. “They’re getting ready every week with every game, with every experience like tonight, and it’s about one or two percent gains for me every week.” So, I’m sure the management will summon them when they’re ready.
“It feels fantastic. But, ultimately, the greatest satisfaction is seeing the lads happy and progressing. When one or two make it into the squad and can contribute to the first team in the Premier League, it is the ultimate success and reward.”
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