Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has been reflecting on the automatic promotion battle between themselves, Leeds United, Leicester City and Southampton.
The Whites were pipped to second spot in the final two weeks of the season by Ipswich after just falling short at the final hurdle.
Daniel Farke’s side – who had been top at the March international break – picked up just eight points from as many matches to end the campaign, including defeats in both of their last two.
Ipswich’s tally of 96 points was enough to give them a comfortable looking cushion over Leeds in the end, but it was arguably the highest standard of promotion race seen at this level.
Leeds, as well as Southampton, will now have to pick themselves up to again in the play-offs which begin this weekend, though it would be fair to say Whites supporters aren’t too confident.
Morsy makes Leeds claim after Ipswich seal promotion
Considering the strength of the top four’s respective squads, Ipswich were certainly the side with less pressure on them in the run-in. Kieran McKenna used that to his advantage.
Having said that, there haven’t been many better in his position than Morsy this season, with Farke even claiming he is the sort of player Leeds lack last week.
In any normal season a points tally of 96 is incredible, but for a newly promoted side to have accumulated that is astonishing and it is typical Leeds that it was they were up against.
Speaking in an interview with East Anglian Daily Times, Morsy admitted that Leeds’ tally of 90 would usually be enough but is delighted Ipswich were able to see of the threat of the Whites and Southampton.
He said: “It’s an incredible moment. It’s not easy at all, we’ve competed with some fantastic teams all season – Leicester, Leeds, Southampton – great teams with great managers and experienced, top players.
“To come out second in that bunch and to get promoted is a phenomenal achievement and it makes it even more sweet, the fact those teams below us have been so good and pushed us all season.
“You look at Leeds – normally 90 points would do it, but not this season. We managed to get 96, which is a really good points tally and we did it.”
Leeds need to put top two disappointment behind them
Considering the position Leeds were in at the March international break, disappointment over missing out on the top two will be massive.
Martin O’Neill believes Farke has a big job on his hands getting his squad to overcome that for the play-offs, but is simply what he has to do.
The play-offs effectively offer Leeds a second chance to do what they should have done in the regular season. Amassing 90 points and finishing third should be a confidence boost in itself they are the best team of the four.
Micah Richards believes Leeds can do it and so hopefully around Thorp Arch they share that same sentiment.