Diego Llorente is hoping his Leeds United side can kick-off the year in style, with three points at home to Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites will begin 2022 at Elland Road in Premier League action, facing a side just two places below them in the Premier League table.

Speaking ahead of the match, the defender is aware of the challenges Leeds will come up against.

“Obviously Burnley are a team close to us in the table,” Llorente explained.

“They need the points and so do we.  It’s going to be like this from now on really in every game.

“Each side will be playing for something, so they will be really important games from now until the end of the season.

“Above all, we have to make the most of the fact that we are playing at home and start winning games, so that we are no longer worried about being dragged down into the relegation zone.”

Llorente was asked about whether matches like this create extra pressure on each side and the Spaniard also spoke about the importance of the fans at Elland Road.

He said: “I think that most footballers live with pressure every day. What I mean is, it’s part of our job.

“When you’re down at the bottom it’s not a comfortable situation for anyone, but we all know how to handle situations like this.

“There are still a lot of games to play and we are confident that we can turn things around.

“Our fans help us and support us. We are going to try and win as much as possible, to change the situation at the start of the New Year better.”