Leeds United are known for hosting one of the best atmospheres there is in English football. The Yorkshire outfit are famous for playing their home games at Elland Road, spurred on and supported by roughly 38 thousand loud and loyal followers.
The Leeds United faithful have a reputation for being loud and intimidating, which makes the stadium in West Yorkshire a particularly tough venue for away teams to visit.
A sixteen-year long absence from the top flight of English football came to an end last year when Marcelo Bielsa helped Leeds United get promoted back to the Premier League.
Social distancing rules imposed by the UK government due to the global pandemic ensured that there was no crowd to celebrate the return of the sleeping giants of English football when the season began in September last year – which is “a shame” in the recent words of Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.
Shelvey recently spoke about the Elland Road atmosphere on Charlie Austin’s Studs Up podcast, as he commented on what it is like to face Leeds United.
Not only did the ex-Swansea City and Liverpool midfielder speak about the Leeds players’ incredible work rate and tenacity as drilled into them by their manager, but he also raved about the amazing atmosphere at Elland Road – having previously played on an away trip to Elland Road for Newcastle United in the Championship.
Shelvey described the atmosphere to be “bouncing” even then – as he then spoke about the fact that he feels it is a shame that Leeds cannot have fans in the stadium in their first season back in the top flight.
Great insight from Jonjo Shelvey on what it's like to play Marcelo Bielsa's intense Leeds team.
Since their return to the Premier League, Leeds United have held their own to a large extent so far, and look good value to retain their top-flight status for another season at least – until the restrictions being lowered in May means that their beloved vociferous support can come back into Elland Park to resume normal proceedings.
