Leeds United’s players and coaching staff left the London Stadium after their final Premier League outing feeling disappointed and frustrated. You would never have guessed the Whites had just secured a 14th-place finish in their first season back in the top flight, but the standards inside the camp had clearly risen.
That mentality, according to James Justin, reflects the determination and mentality Daniel Farke has built within the squad since the defender joined from Leicester City last summer. Leeds travelled to the capital unbeaten in eight matches and enjoying their strongest run of Premier League form since 2001.
Even with the defeat, Leeds ended the campaign on an impressive 47 points, proving many doubters wrong after so many promoted clubs have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. While outsiders may have viewed survival as a success, Justin admitted expectations within the club were always much higher.
“I think we have developed a mentality where nobody gives up,” the versatile defender explained. “We have fighters throughout the squad who battle until the final whistle in every match, regardless of the opposition. That mindset is massive for us, and the staff work incredibly hard to keep our physical levels as high as possible so we can compete against anyone.
“At the beginning of the season, there were probably a few adjustment issues in the Premier League and some moments where things didn’t quite fall our way, but we were still performing reasonably well. Then everyone points to that Manchester City away game. Even though we lost, the atmosphere and confidence around the club changed afterwards.
“From that point, we really went on a strong run until the end of the season. That period was probably the turning point because we had three extremely difficult fixtures in one week and came through them in decent shape overall. It also showed that when pressure moments arrive, we can rise to the challenge. That gives us real confidence heading into next season.”
Since the goalless draw at Anfield at the start of the year, the 28-year-old has started every Premier League fixture, featuring across multiple roles including both full-back positions, wing-back and centrally in defence. After spending most of his career in the Midlands with Leicester City, Justin says the move to Elland Road has been exactly what he needed.
“I felt it was the right moment in my career for a fresh challenge. I had always known how massive Leeds United is because I have spent my whole career in England, but once you actually arrive here and experience the city, you realise everyone lives and breathes Leeds. Honestly, it has been refreshing.
“Seeing how the club operates every single day, the people around it and the ambitions they have, it has been brilliant. The owners are incredibly ambitious while still staying grounded at the same time.”
Under Farke, Leeds enjoyed a memorable first season back in the Premier League. The club reached its first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, while Noah Okafor’s brace at Old Trafford secured a historic league victory over Manchester United away from home for the first time in 45 years. Liverpool and Chelsea also failed to complete league doubles over the Whites.
Farke has not only carried over the belief from the Championship-winning campaign but strengthened the squad with important additions in defence, midfield and attack, helping the team make the leap to Premier League level.
“He has done an unbelievable job,” Justin added while reflecting on working under the Leeds boss. “Like we said earlier, after that Manchester City game, everything around the club shifted positively. He and his coaching staff deserve huge credit because they have kept us moving in the right direction throughout the season.”
With the campaign now over, Justin also has major plans away from football this summer.
“I’m actually getting married this summer!” he said with a laugh. “That is definitely going to be the highlight of my break. After that, it will be about returning for pre-season training, but I’m looking forward to having some time to relax first.”
