MOT View: Roofe comments show how Leeds are one step ahead of rivals before kick-off
Former Leeds United forward Kemar Roofe has opened up on the training methods of Marcelo Bielsa at Thorp Arch.
Many outsiders believe that the South American is hell-bent on the fitness of his players with things such as murderball, and although that is true, there is much, much more too him.
The tactical side is where his genius comes from. Roofe discussed how they worked hard on how to combat the opposition’s formation before other work – something which clearly puts the Whites one step ahead of each team they face.
Roofe claimed Bielsa made him such a better player and that was obvious for everyone to see at Elland Road every week.
“Just the way he does things opened my eyes a lot,” he said.
“Everything was about the fine details of formations and the opposition’s tactics. How to combat the opposition’s formation so it will benefit us more. Also, fitness as well. I thought I was fit already but working under him I got even fitter. It’s helped me a lot.”
The proof is in the pudding when you analyse each game Leeds have played under Bielsa. Rarely other sides keep the ball more and usually, they have to spend the majority of games on the back foot defending against the Whites.
Leeds keep the most possession in the entire Championship which leads to them also having the most shots on goal – two more than any other side per game according to WhoScored.
Another impressive stat is that Bielsa’s men also make the third-most tackles in the division despite keeping possession of the ball more.
Leeds dominate their opponents, and it all starts in the week build-up before meaning that they are already one step ahead of each side they play.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds star shares what friend told him when he agreed switch to Elland Rd