Shay Given and Conor Coady were taken aback when Leicester star Coady was questioned about feeling sympathy for Leeds United if they failed in their promotion bid this season. Both could hardly contain their laughter at the suggestion but Coady went on to express his admiration for the competitiveness of the Championship this year.
The surprise in the league continued as Daniel Farke’s team overtook the Foxes to claim the top spot, despite an initial 17-point gap and playing one more game. On BBC Sport’s The Monday Night Club, Rory Smith’s question about showing sympathy for Southampton and Leeds if they didn’t achieve promotion had Given throwing up his arms in disbelief.
Coady chuckled before declaring, “No, I wouldn’t. The Championship this season has been something else. The pace set by the top teams is unbelievable. We just need to focus on getting the job done.”
Despite Leeds leading the table, the battle for automatic promotion remains tight with Leicester, Southampton, and Ipswich all in contention. Ally McCoist expressed his surprise at the competition at the top, emphasizing that promotion spots are still up for grabs.
Former Leeds manager Paul Heckingbottom voiced his belief in his former team’s chances of promotion alongside Leicester, although he acknowledged Ipswich as strong contenders as well. As the season nears its end after the international break, all four top teams will be eyeing promotion, with two destined for the playoffs. The ultimate outcome will be determined on the pitch.
