Pundit moots unavoidable Leeds ‘norm’ of international break, ‘you know what you sign up for’
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
The international break should not be a problem for Leeds United as it is the “norm” for them to lose a large part of their squad, according to Paul Robinson.
Per the Yorkshire Evening Post (8 October), Leeds had 17 players called up for international duty, from senior teams to the under-19s level. While not all these players would figure into Daniel Farke’s plans, the likes of Dan James, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Archie Gray are all set for extra minutes on top of their Championship duties.
Following the break, fixtures come thick and fast for the Whites and the boss will need to utilise his whole squad to manage stamina and fitness. A lack of fitness or injuries will be the last thing the German needs.
Robinson claims that such issues have become normal at Elland Road and that Farke shouldn’t face problems as the strength in depth means it’s something Leeds will “have to cope with”.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I don’t think it will be a problem. It may be new to Farke to have so many players leave, but for Leeds, it’s the norm.
“Most of these players played in the Premier League last year and you see the quality in the squad, it’s only a good thing. You know what you sign up for as a manager when you’re competing at the top level of football in any country.
“You’re going to lose your internationals so many times a year, whether it be for tournaments, friendlies, matches. There’s nothing you can do as a manager.
“The good thing for the manager is that he’s lost 17 of his players which shows the quality, depth and strength of his squad. It’s something that you’ll have to cope with.
“I think they’ll more than cope with it. You look at the games that they have to do in the Championship anyway, with two games in seven days. It’ll seem like a rest for some of these Championship players!”
In other Leeds United news, a player has shared why he chose to leave Elland Road on loan, he is due back soon.