Dan James Reflects on Leeds United's Championship Heartbreak and New Season Goals

Reflecting on a Season of Heartbreak: Daniel James' Perspective

As the new Championship season unfolds, Leeds United winger Daniel James finds himself in a reflective mood, contemplating the highs and lows of his journey. After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, he expressed his feelings about the disappointment that followed their play-off final defeat to Southampton.

The Bitter Taste of Play-Off Defeat

"We didn't do much wrong," James told Sky Sports. "We got 90 points, and two teams went up above us, which doesn't happen very often." The outcome came down to a single match, and as a second-half substitute in the final, James acknowledges the disappointment but emphasizes the importance of perspective.

"It's just one of those things," he reflects. "It was disappointing, but that's football. You can't dwell on it too much. It was a great season throughout, and it went to the wire. One team has to lose, and unfortunately that was us."

Preparations for the New Season

Despite the challenging conclusion to last season, James maintains a positive outlook. "We had a meeting straight after the game and we squashed it there," he shares. The team regrouped during pre-season and is focused on the upcoming campaign, stating, "I thought we had a great pre-season all together and came into this season really confident."

Dealing with Changes in the Squad

The summer transfer window saw several key players leave Leeds, including Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter. However, James is unfazed by the changes. "This happens every season, the comings and goings," he explains. "You just have to concentrate on yourself and your team and what you want to achieve." Despite this, the team has struggled with a slow start, drawing their first two matches and being eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Middlesbrough.

The Importance of a Strong Start

James recalls the challenges of last season, noting, "I think Leicester were 20 points ahead of us at one point. We reached that gap but obviously they pushed on while we dropped a few points towards the end of the season." The emphasis on a strong start is crucial, as "you can't let teams get too far ahead of you," he cautions.
The forward is clear on the goal ahead: "We know what we want to achieve. We know where we want to be. So I think we've just got to keep pushing." Leeds fans will undoubtedly hope to see the team back in the Premier League soon.

Conclusion: Hope and Determination

As Leeds United navigates the ups and downs of the Championship, Daniel James stands as a figure of hope and determination. With the right focus and effort, the team aims to turn their aspirations into reality this season.

Watch Leeds in Action

Fans can catch Leeds United in action this season with Sky Sports+. For those without Sky, streaming options are available through NOW. Stay connected to enjoy every moment of the Championship campaign.