'That's what we did' - Pascal Struijk reveals Leeds United's plan for vital final day contest at Brentford - YEP 23/5/22
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk said he put Burnley's game against Newcastle United out of his mind on the final day of the Premier League season.
By Flora Snelson
In 18th place at kick-off against Brentford on Sunday
afternoon, United had to avoid defeat to the West London side to have any
chance of remaining in the top flight for the 2022/2023 season.
The Whites' abysmal goal difference meant that they were on
track to go down ahead of 17th-placed Burnley, with whom Leeds were tied on
points at the start of proceedings.
In their finale against the Bees, Jesse Marsch's side had to
force a better result than the Clarets achieved at home to Newcastle.
In the end, a draw would have been enough for Leeds, as
their Lancashire counterparts fell to a 2-1 defeat to the Magpies at Turf Moor
but, though Struijk could hear whispers of Burnley updates on the sidelines,
the Dutchman insists United were hell-bent on bagging a victory.
"They were saying some things but I really wasn't too
focussed about this," Struijk told LUTV after the final whistle,
"because we just needed to win this game anyhow."
"Because if we win that gives us the best possibility
to stay in the league - so that's what we did."
United's second season in the Premier League has been far
more taxing than their initial forays into the top flight - the Whites have
conceded a whopping 79 goals along the way as a never-ending string of injuries
and a managerial change have proved challenging to adjust to.
In the end, though, Struijk said they did what they set out
to do.
"It's really been very long and hard, especially coming
to the end, bringing it down to the last game," Struijk said.
"We didn't make it easy for ourselves but I feel like
that's how the season went this year.
"We won, we stay in the league, and that's what's most
important."
The 22-year-old's late equaliser against Brighton and Hove
Albion in the penultimate game of the season showered relief upon Elland Road
and gave his side some well-needed momentum as they headed into the final day
showdown.
With United's Premier League status now secure, Struijk paid
tribute to the supporters who have backed their survival bid.
"I was just happy to get the goal last week and to
finish off like this, staying up eventually - it's amazing," Struijk said.
"The fans are amazing, all the ones that travelled here
today, the energy they bring.