Leeds’ Piroe out to replicate last season’s success

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Joel Piroe says Leeds United’s aim must be to at least replicate last season’s finish in the Premier League as they prepare for the new campaign.

Leeds had been in a relegation battle at one stage of the season, but a strong finish to the campaign saw them shoot away from danger and eventually finish 14th, eight points clear of the drop zone.

They were beaten 3-0 by West Ham on the final day, but before that had been on an eight-game unbeaten streak, which had ensured they avoided an immediate return to the Championship.

Leeds also finished the season on a run of 10 consecutive top-flight games without conceding a first-half goal for the first time since doing so in 11 in a row from October to December 1990.

And Piroe wants to see an even stronger performance from Leeds in the upcoming season.

“The team’s goal will be to at least replicate last season, and hopefully, do even better to get closer to 10th place or maybe even more,” he told Flashscore.

“On a personal level, I just want to show my growth and show that I have adapted to the league now, and that I can step up.”

— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 13, 2026

Piroe joined Leeds in 2023 and got his first taste of Premier League football last season.

He has made 118 appearances for the club in all competitions, with 21 of those coming last term, though only five of those were from the start, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin the first-choice striker.

Piroe netted just once for Leeds in 2025-26, scoring in a 3-0 win over Norwich City in the FA Cup, with Thomas Frank’s team eventually reaching the semi-finals before losing to Chelsea.

“I don’t think it did anything to my confidence because when you play a very low number of minutes, it maybe says 21 appearances, but if you look at the minutes [572], then it’s not something that I would punish myself for,” Piroe said of his lack of game time.

“At the same time, when I think back about some games, like the home game against Manchester United when I could have scored the winner in the last minute, of course, those moments can make you angry, or you think like, ‘Ah, I should have done better’.

“But at the same time, that happens, and then you think like, if I played maybe the full game or more minutes, then for sure I would have scored more.

“But yes, that is something you don’t have in your hands.  Personally, it’s always tough because everyone wants to play every minute. But I think in some situations it’s just good to make out of a bad situation a good situation.

“So, instead of moping around and being annoyed, you can still make it a good season on a personal level, and I just think that’s what I’ve done, and I hope to be able to show that next season.”

Premier League News

Ipswich strengthen goalkeeping group with Van Oevelen move

Premier League News

Premier League News

Arsenal duo Timber and White edge closer to return from injury

Premier League News

Premier League News

Man Utd sign highly rated youngster Thompson

Premier League News

Bournemouth’s new boss Rose excited to be out of comfort zone

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.