It will take “three long-fought seasons” before Leeds can “truly operate like an established Premier League side”, chairman Paraag Marathe has said.
The club statement comes just 10 days after Whites boss Daniel Farke said he is “not the right choice” to remain in charge if the club failed to match his ambition in the summer, after achieving survival and an impressive 14th-place finish on the Leed’s return to the top flight.
Marathe also thanked Farke for the “special campaign” he delivered, and said he is “incredibly confident” about the future of the club.
“While this year brought memorable highs and difficult moments, Daniel and the squad delivered a special campaign,” he said.
“In a league where promoted clubs usually struggle, survival in our first season back is a significant accomplishment.
“I said last year that the road ahead would not be easy – that is still true. History shows that the second season in the Premier League can be just as, if not more, challenging as the first. We remain ambitious but measured and deliberate, understanding that it will take three long-fought seasons before we can truly operate like an established Premier League side.”
Before thanking the fans and everyone associated with the club for their support and work throughout the season, Marathe also touched on transfer plans and hinted that a considered approach will be required.
“This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach,” he added.
“As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League.
“Our approach to the transfer market will once again be strategic and disciplined to comply with regulations while striving further to improve, and players will both arrive and depart as a result.”