Neil Redfearn says that Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino understands he misjudged the standard of the Championship when doing his player shopping last summer.

At Elland Road, Cellino dictates transfer policy along with sporting director Nicola Salerno, with Redfearn reduced to making recommendations he hopes will meet with the duo's approval.




In their first transfer window at the club, Cellino and Salerno heavily raided the Italian market, snapping up a number of players.

 


However, not all have made the desired splash and Redfearn's decision to restore a number of players who had been pushed aside in the overseas scramble turned Leeds' season around.

And Redfearn admits that Cellino misjudged the level of the Championship, in a clear hint several players may not be up to speed and others needed time to reach the required standard.

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Asked about imported players by BBC Radio Leeds, including Edgar Cani, Zan Benedidic and Tommaso Bianchi, and whether they can make the grade and are better than players the Whites already have, Redfearn replied: "What I think has happened is that the level of the Championship has been misjudged slightly.

"[Cellino] did [admit it]. He's honest enough to admit that.

"And I think that initially the transition was quite difficult because the pace, tempo, the aggression of it, sometimes the the technical sides is forfeited a little bit for the fact you're solid and disciplined.

"But it's a really, really good standard and a good division to play in and you've got to be really careful which type of players that fit into that level.

"It's unforgiving and it catches up with you and doesn't wait for any teams."

Redfearn then pointed to Championship side Fulham as a team who were not prepared for the standard of the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.

"Fulham are a prime example. The Championship has caught up with them and left them in a precarious position."

And on Leeds' foreign players in general, Redfearn added: "By and large they have integrated well, not shirked it and are coming out of the other side."

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