Newcomer Thomas is ready for a tough test
LEEDS head coach Thomas Christiansen believes the Championship is the most competitive league in world football.
Christiansen, 44, a Denmark-born former Spain striker, will take charge of his first game in England this afternoon at Bolton.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has demanded a top-six finish in Christiansen’s first season and the former Apoel Nicosia coach is relishing the challenge.
“If you’re ambitious, you want to do better and this is the signal the club, and me as coach, want to give the team – that we have to do better,” Christiansen said.
“Of course, we know which league we’re in and this is probably the most competitive league we have in the world.
“We have 12 or 14 teams who can mix it up in the top six. Here everything is possible. In other leagues it’s not.
“You can win against the first and then you can lose against the last but this is also what makes this league special.”
Leeds have made 11 summer additions, including permanent moves for last year’s loanees Pontus Jansson and Hadi Sacko.
“I have the whole squad, no injuries, so that’s my headache,” he added.
“It will be a very difficult game. Bolton got promoted last season and have their first game at home in front of their fans and will want to make a good performance.
“We have to go there and try to take the three points and we know what we can expect there and what we have to deliver if we want to win.”
Bolton, expected by some to struggle in their first season back in the second tier, have drafted in 11 new signings of their own.
Defenders Reece Burke and Antonee Robinson, on loan from West Ham and Everton respectively, midfielder Josh Cullen and striker Aaron Wilbraham arrived this week.
Boss Phil Parkinson said: “We come into the league with a lot of confidence and a good mentality. We are a team that were used to winning last year.
“We’re one of the favourites to go down, but we have an underdog mentality to prove people wrong. We’ll fight to bridge the gap.
“Everyone is eagerly anticipating the season. There’s an excitement around the club and what a great game to start with.”
Bolton v Leeds, SS Football, Today, 4.30pm