‘They have just got that X-Factor’ – Millwall boss has high praise for Leeds United ahead of Den clash
Millwall head coach Neil Harris reckons Wednesday’s opponents Leeds United have been the Championship’s most impressive performers this season.
The Lions have collected 45 points in the league since Harris was brought back to replace Joe Edwards in February. Only Leeds (47) have amassed more points in the second tier over that period.
Millwall can go top of the pile in that regard if they can make it four straight Championship victories and go into the Den encounter off the back of an impressive 1-0 victory over Burnley on Sunday.
“Leeds are the best team I’ve watched this season,” Harris told the South London Press. “I know Sunderland are at the top of the league but Leeds have just got that X-factor and strength in depth in their squad to stay there all season.
“Leeds are certainly the best football team – possession-based – in the league. Sheffield United are just so Championship-ready and experienced in the way they play, along with the experience that Chrissy Wilder has got. They are the two teams (top of the pile). Sunderland and Burnley will be there or thereabouts.
“Leeds are right up there for a reason. They are the only team to get more points than us since mid-February in the Championship. They have got the right to be there.
“We know how difficult a game it is and the magnitude of it. But we are a team that is only two points behind them since February – so they will know the challenge that also faces them coming to The Den.
“We know what Leeds are and how good they are but, as I keep saying, it is all about us and what we do – how we control the game in our own comfort of allowing the opponent to have the ball at times. It is about what we do with the ball when we have got it.
“We’re in a really good place. The momentum is there, the confidence is there and the buzz at the training ground and in the stadium. We’re really looking forward to it, more so than any other game I would say so.”
A statistic which flashed up on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Burnley match showed that Millwall have been rock solid defending leads since Harris’ appointment.
They have won 13 and drawn three of the 16 fixtures in which they have scored first.
“That first goal in the Championship is very important,” said Harris. “The game is so tactical now that once you are in front you make it very difficult for teams to break you down.
“We know the importance of the first goal. It is why it so important if you can’t be creative and so good with the football that you are solid without the ball and difficult to break down. We saw that at Swansea – we hung in there and we were always confident we would find a moment in the game, whether that was the first or last minute.
“On Sunday we were a threat, certainly from the half-hour onwards, for the next hour. We got the goal and stayed in front relatively comfortably.
“We work off the thought process of first and foremost being really difficult to beat and break down. We don’t want to concede goals but we also want that flair, excitement and creativity in the final third.”
PICTURE: BRIAN TONKS