Leeds United: Rosler keen to manage expectations ahead of new campaign

Whites supporters have been impressed with the steady improvement of form from their side throughout pre-season; Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton sparking renewed optimism ahead of a campaign which kicks-off against Burnley on Saturday.

Rosler’s squad face a difficult first month in which they will play up to seven competitive matches, including away games at Reading, Bristol City and Derby County and a League Cup tie at Doncaster Rovers.

Talking ahead of Saturday’s Championship opener against Burnley, Rosler said: “We need to see improvement. That’s what the chairman (Massimo Cellino) told me – improvement with the team and individuals from last year to this year.

“My focus now is to prepare my team for Burnley, then Doncaster and then Reading. We need short-term targets. All medium and long-term targets go out of the window when you’re not winning enough games. That’s the way I handle my job.

“I’m already switched on to Burnley. Pre-season is done. Burnley will be a different challenge with different questions to be answered.”

United have endured two difficult seasons in the past couple of years with 15th-placed finishes on the field and plenty of turmoil off it.

Now it is hoped that Rosler can put an end to all of that and finally give the fans something to cheer... even if he is keen to manage those expectations.

“It’s important now that we manage expectations,” he said. “We can’t lose feet off the ground when we win against Everton, just as we can’t be too influenced when we’re not winning against teams who were eighth and ninth in the Bundesliga.

“We’ve improved but there will be times when the improvement is challenged. Then we have to come through on a positive note.”

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