Terry Venables believes Leeds' UEFA Cup adventure could provide the catalyst for a much-needed improvement in their Premiership form.
Venables admits his side's confidence is at rock-bottom going into tonight's must-win third-round second-leg tie at home to Malaga.
Leeds have lost their last five Premiership matches at Elland Road, but their form in Europe so far has been a big improvement.
Venables believes that away from the intense spotlight of the domestic competition, his beleaguered team may find the form to begin the long process of turning their current plight around.
"The threat of not doing well is hanging over their heads and has been for a long time now," said the Leeds manager. "There has been no respite really - they are expected to play good football and they are expected to win.
"We have got to turn the corner. The UEFA Cup does take the pressure off a little bit, and we have played a lot better than we have in the league.
Venables knows his side face a tough task against Malaga, who can call on Dario Silva and Gerrado after injuries ruled them out of the first leg.
The Leeds boss is boosted by the return of Lee Bowyer, who missed the defeat at Fulham on Saturday. But Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Dominic Matteo are all still out.
"It's been a long time since we had a full group of fit players. The difficulty in choosing a team is a difficulty I am looking forward to having," said Venables
PA