Championship final day preview: What each team is playing for

National World - LocalTV

Daniel Wales previews the final day of the Championship season.

Transcript

00:00With the championship final day now upon us, let's take a look at some of the teams in our local areas

00:06to see just what their results could mean for the way that they finish the season.

00:10We'll start with Leeds United who take a trip to Plymouth Argyle on the south coast.

00:15Knowing that a win will see them win the championship title.

00:20Yes, of course, we know that we have from now on more or less 48 hours of work

00:27and of course we want to finish as strong as possible.

00:31The main job is done.

00:32We are promoted back to the Premier League and no one can take this away.

00:36We have already made sure that we've played the best season in terms of points, goals,

00:41goal difference in the history of this club.

00:45We had a fantastic last home game, final home game where everyone was celebrating.

00:51Also, great connection between the team, the whole staff, all our club people and our supporters.

00:59Great unity, a great day, but it would be, of course, the icing on the cake

01:02if you have also some silverware for the Open Bus Tour.

01:07Sunderland, meanwhile, are assured of fourth place in the championship table

01:11and a place in the playoffs.

01:13However, having lost their last four games in a row,

01:16Regis Labriche's side are looking to regain momentum against Queen's Park Rangers.

01:20Yes, every win is important, but at the same time, I think it's another story.

01:29And for us, the game today, I think, will be really important for that point.

01:36We have to be competitive in the duels.

01:38We have to bring the strong energy.

01:40We have to be combative.

01:42We have to be strong in duels.

01:44And it wasn't the case today.

01:45So, it was impossible to play our football.

01:50And it's a shame because we want to win.

01:54We want to be proud of our team, of our club.

01:56And it wasn't the case today.

01:57For me, I trust this team.

01:59I trust this squad.

02:00I trust our players because they showed so many times that

02:03they were able to play a really good football, very competitive.

02:06And we don't have to forget that we secured this fourth place early in the season.

02:13So, it's really important to repeat it.

02:16So, now we are not consistent.

02:17We are making mistakes.

02:19We are not happy.

02:20But we know where we come from.

02:22And we won't forget this.

02:24So, it will be very important for the next fixture.

02:27But at the same time, for the players.

02:28Sat just behind Sunderland in fifth place are Bristol City under Liam Manning,

02:34who have had a dramatic rise in the second half of the season.

02:37A win at home against Preston North End would guarantee their place in the playoffs.

02:44You can't carry a hangover.

02:46I think, like I said, you're at the end of the season.

02:49If tonight probably happens three months ago, it's probably a little bit different.

02:52But when you look at it in terms of having to move on quickly, we have to.

02:56I think the group has shown that over and over again this season.

02:59How they bounce from game to game.

03:01They've done a terrific job of that.

03:03So, we have to make sure, like I said, we're focused for Saturday.

03:05You see the atmosphere out there tonight.

03:07We've had that at home, obviously, for especially the last few games as well.

03:12So, turn up and give everything, I think, on Saturday.

03:14That's everybody associated with the club.

03:16Let's do everything we can to try and make it happen.

03:19Naturally, people, I think, will be a little bit nervy.

03:22I think if you're emotionally invested and you care, of course,

03:24it will show those emotions.

03:26But for the lads, it's relying on the work that we've done,

03:29the experiences we've had.

03:31And for the fans, it's making a real atmosphere.

03:34Because as you see tonight, it can make a huge difference.

03:36And finally, Middlesbrough go to Coventry City in what is a shootout for the playoffs.

03:41Coventry currently sits in sixth place.

03:43But Borough know that if they win, they'll overtake Coventry.

03:46Although they do also have to hope that Millwall and Blackburn lose to get into the top six.

03:51It's one game, you know, everything at stake.

03:54All on the line, everything to play for.

03:57So, yeah, largely focused, motivated, everything you'd expect at this time.

04:01You know, we work all season to have an opportunity towards them.

04:05We've had all sorts of different feelings and ups and downs over recent weeks.

04:08But this is where we are.

04:10And it's a massive game, you know, with the way it's felt for and the situation.

04:16So, yeah, massively, massively looking forward to the game.

04:21It doesn't make it any easier, of course.

04:23But in terms of preparing for the game and managing the game as it's going on,

04:29there's not any ifs and buts for us.

04:32It's pretty clear what we need to do.

04:35So, yeah, in terms of focus, like you said, it's there.

04:40It's all in front of us, you know.

04:42It's what we're preparing for.

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