LEEDS, England Fresh from a 2-1 home defeat of Anderlecht, Leeds United Manager David O'Leary backed the Champions League format, saying it has cured teams of their fear of an away goal.

The tournament has drawn criticism since switching to two group phases before knockout games are played, as many fans feel there are too many meaningless games in the early stages.

But O'Leary, whose team has had an away win over Lazio and draws at Barcelona and AC Milan this season, said: "It's a brilliant concept. UEFA have got a good product here.

"I love the one-off games. You no longer have to worry about teams being scared to play because of away goals.

"Now it's all on the night, home or away, and I think the fans like that idea as well."

O'Leary believes the sheer weight of games in Europe is helping him become a better manager.

Leeds made it to the UEFA Cup semifinals last season and now hold second spot in Group D, three points clear of Anderlecht and three behind European champions Real Madrid.

"In the last two years we've played 23 games in Europe and it's good experience for the team and for me.

"As a young manager it gives me an opportunity to learn a lot against the best teams in the world."

Despite Leeds' success O'Leary says his team can only get better next season.

"We've haven't got enough of the big names you need in this competition. We've had a lot of problems and it's been an indifferent season.

"This year has been a learning process for us and anything we achieve will be a bonus. We won't be able to get our proper team out until next season now."

Leeds have been hit injuries to key players this season, including striker Harry Kewell, and currently lie fifth in the Premier League with 40 points from 27 games.

(Reuter)