‘Have to adapt’ – Smith claims ‘tough’ factor could impact Leeds during Ch’ship run-in

Sue Smith has suggested that Leeds United may struggle to play their usual “high-intensity” game when the Championship resumes later this month. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have become renowned for their fitness levels during the Argentine’s time at the club, but have not played a competitive match since the 2-0 win over Huddersfield on March 7th.

They also face the challenge of finishing their season well into the summer as opposed to in early May, as is usually the case, and 93-cap England Women’s international Smith has argued that it could have a negative impact on the Whites.

Referencing her own experience of playing in Macao during a World Cup in a column for the Yorkshire Post, she said: “That was an extreme example, but playing in English summer temperatures will still be tough for teams who play a high-intensity style, like Leeds United, and they will have to adapt.

“Even in domestic football, we would have summer games where our manager told us we should only press the ball in patches, followed by maybe 10 minutes of sitting back.

“Luckily, Leeds have a coach in Marcelo Bielsa who has worked at World Cups and in hot countries. He will know how to adapt and identify the players who can do the job.”