Learning from the past and setting goals for the future

[BBC] [Getty Images] In the second part of a special Q&A, BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope explains how Leeds United will attempt to avoid deja vu and suggests what the aims should be for 2026-27. Brendan asked: When Leeds United got back into the Premier League in 2019-20 with Marcelo Bielsa, we had a good first season and then it went downhill. Are we at risk of a touch of deja vu? Is there anything we can learn from that unravelling? Adam: Paraag Marathe was keen to stress that history will not be repeated when he spoke to the media recently. He admitted there was a lot to learn from those three campaigns. He specifically mentioned that recruitment had been a bit 'flying by the seat of your pants' and financial structuring was another issue. Since then, it has been far more structured, and he said: "We take those lessons with us going forward now and this is why we need to be very sort of strategic, careful and thoughtful around how we go into this second season... To me, it is about establishing Premier League residency - and that probably is that three-year plan". Also, the contract and salary structure will be more sustainable and less punitive to the club going forward. Coupled with the development of Elland Road in the future to augment revenues, the overall plan seems robust. Listen to Adam's conversation with Marathe on BBC Sounds Gary asked: What should Leeds United realistically be aiming for next season? Second seasons in the Premier League are often tougher, even for teams that performed well after promotion. Should the focus be on survival again, targeting 17th or above, or is it time to push for a stable mid-table finish? Adam: I think the percentage chance of being relegated in your second season in the Premier League remains so high that a 17th-placed finish should not be marked as failure this time around. I know West Ham went down with 39 points, but, the truth is, sides coming up struggle to reach 30 points, never mind 40. It takes three tough years to become an established Premier League side. Look at Brighton , who finished 15th, 17th, 15th and 16th after promotion. Aston Villa 's record was 17th, 11th and then back to 15th in their first three seasons, following their play-off final victory over Derby County in 2019. However, I really think Leeds can set a goal of a domestic cup victory, coupled with Premier League safety, which of course would return the club to the European stage. Keep across this page for the final part of Adam's Q&A, which will look at subjects including possible striker targets and Largie Ramazani's future.