‘Obviously not going to happen’ – Exclusive: Robinson says what may hinder Leeds promotion bid
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has suggested that Leeds United players could struggle to get back up to full speed once football is able to resume.
Leeds haven’t played since beating Huddersfield on March 7, meaning over seven weeks have now passed since the players last kicked a ball in a competitive match.
They were able to train for another few days after the 2-0 win over the Terriers but their current break from the game is longer than any usual summer break that players get.
Robinson does not believe that players will get anywhere near the same amount of time to get back up to speed once the season’s suspension is lifted compared to what they usually get in the summer and that may be problematic.
“It’ll be tough [to get fit again]. Players generally keep themselves fit, especially in the summer break but these are unprecedented times and it’s going to be longer than a summer break,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“It will be interesting to see what they do because contracts end on June 30 so it looks like they will try to get it finished before there are any complications with contracts.
“But it will take players a while to get back on the grass and get used to having the ball at their feet again because you can keep yourself fit, you can keep yourself ticking over.
“You usually get a five-six week pre-season but that’s obviously not going to happen.”
It has been reported a few times that once players are allowed back into training, they’ll have around three weeks to return to fitness before fixtures take place again.
There’s no doubt that will not be enough time for Marcelo Bielsa but everyone is going to be in the same boat.
We just hope it doesn’t lead to an increased number of injuries.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared an inkling he has about Ben White’s future at the club based on recent talks.