Leeds United: Daniel James and Daniel Farke play down importance of Championship top spot

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Dan James after scoring for Leeds v MillwallImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Dan James' second-half goal against Millwall sent Leeds top of the Championship on goal difference

Leeds United forward Dan James says going top of the Championship table counts for little with eight games still to play.

James scored in Leeds' 2-0 win over Millwall on Sunday that sent the Whites above Leicester on goal difference.

It is the first time all season that Leeds have been top, but previous leaders Leicester - who were in FA Cup action on Sunday - have a game in hand.

"It's nice to be top, but it doesn't mean anything," said James.

The Wales international told BBC Radio Leeds: "We have eight massive games when we come back and we're really looking forward to it.

"Today was all about can we get another win and it's another massive one."

Leeds needed a two-goal win over the Lions to leapfrog Leicester, and goals from Willy Gnonto and James ensured the Yorkshire club head the Championship going into the international break.

Daniel Farke's side have won 13 and drawn one of their 14 league games in 2024 and have wiped out a 17-point gap that Leicester had.

Daniel Farke acknowledges the Elland Road crowdImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Daniel Farke's Leeds United team are unbeaten in 19 Championship games at Elland Road this season

'We have to make sure we stay on it'

The German is keen for everyone to appreciate the run that has taken them top before they return to action at Watford on 29 March (20:00 GMT).

But with Ipswich only one point behind in third and Southampton in fourth having two games in hand despite a nine-point deficit, promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt is far from guaranteed for Leeds.

"We have to enjoy it a little bit," said Farke. "If you don't enjoy this moment, you'll ask yourself one day why you're doing all this hard work.

"But we have to make sure we stay on it.

"It's not important where you are after 38 games. We can be proud of what we are doing but we want to be in a good position after 46 games.

"For that, we have to win many, many points."

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