Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has admitted it will be difficult for Leeds United to stay in the Premier League this campaign.

The Lowdown: Leeds struggling

In what is their second season back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence, the Whites are struggling at the the wrong end of the table.

As it stands, they are 17th in the top flight, just three points above Burnley in 18th (Sky Sports). They have won just one of their last four matches in all competitions and, with Leicester City, Tottenham and Brighton to come in the next three games, they may struggle to pick up more points for a while.

The Foxes are always a tough out, Tottenham will be enjoying a new manager bounce, while Brighton have just picked up an impressive draw at Anfield.

The Latest: Radrizzani makes survival claim

Speaking at the Lisbon Web Summit (via Leeds Live), Radrizzani revealed it will be difficult for Leeds to stay in the division. He said:

"This year it will be very difficult to stay in the Premier League but if we stay up this year we can do much more next year. Next, the top six over time and hopefully start to renovate the stadium and grow this club."

The Verdict: More confidence needed

While it may be true that this season will be a struggle to stay up - nine clubs, in fact, have been hit by second-season syndrome in the Premier League (via Sports Economics) - it is not the best thing for the owner to say so publicly. After all, Leeds have splashed out £140m since being promoted on transfer fees (Transfermarkt), and manager Marcelo Bielsa is one of most influential bosses in the history of the game (BBC).

There are still 28 games left to play, and the omens suggest they will be ok - only Bournemouth have had at least 10 points by this stage in the season and still been relegated in the last three full terms (Transfermarkt).

Still, more inspiring comments than the ones from Radrizzani would not go amiss.

In other news, Leeds want to sign this Championship star.