Phil Hay: Leeds United to get stuck into ‘major’ fitness work under Jesse Marsch during international break
Phil Hay has shared what Jesse Marsch and his available Leeds United players will be doing during the international break.
The Athletic journalist reported that major things to be worked on at Thorp Arch include his new formation, and interestingly the players’ fitness.
Marcelo Bielsa had his side as the fittest in the Premier League, but that brought injuries – something that makes this break critical for recovery.
Writing for The Athletic this morning (21 March), Hay shared what will be taking place at Thorp Arch over the next two weeks.
“There’s no shortage of things for Marsch to get into, considering the tactical changes Leeds are undergoing after the Bielsa era,” he wrote.
“The formation, the pressing and the general approach are noticeably different to Bielsa’s style and Marsch has had limited time on the training pitch so far.
“But fitness is another major thing to focus on — not the stamina of the players because Bielsa maintained extremely high standards of intensity but the management of those who are trying to get over injuries. This is a valuable period to rest, recuperate and build individuals up.”
Perfect.
After two brilliant consecutive wins in the Premier League, this break has come at the perfect time for the Whites to recover.
Everton, Burnley and Watford have all been given weeks to sit back and think about Leeds’ gap to the bottom three and their huge late goals recently.
As well as that, it should give Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and possibly even Patrick Bamford a chance to get back to 100% with no international duty to attend this time as they near recovery.
Having that spine fully fit and firing in the starting line-up against Southampton at Elland Road next up would be huge.
Imagine the buzz it would send around the ground once their names are announced, it would set up an incredible atmosphere.
Hopefully, this break can make that happen – bring it on.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani has broken his silence on Twitter sharing when he will leave the club