Leeds United employee issues training ground claim – ‘I’m sure’
Noel Whelan has claimed the month-long wait for a Premier League fixture will allow Leeds United to “recharge” after an intense start to the new campaign.
The former Whites striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, conceded Jesse Marsch’s side could suffer from a lack of “match fitness and match sharpness” after the fixture disruption.
Leeds United face Aston Villa on Sunday (2 October), almost a month after their last Premier League match – a 5-2 away loss at Brentford (3 September).
As per FBRef, the Whites have recorded the most successful pressures per game (50.3) of any side in the Premier League this season.
Jesse Marsch could also be boosted by the returns of Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford against Villa, both of whom were missing from the starting lineup against Brentford.
Leeds United have picked up eight points from six Premier League games in the new season and sit 11th in the table.
Whelan suggested the Whites stars will be “itching” to right the wrongs of the loss against Brentford.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It [the month-long break] works two ways.
“I’m sure Jesse Marsch and the coaches are working hard to make sure everything remains intense on the training ground.
“But that match fitness and match sharpness you can only get from Premier League matches.
“It’s going to feel like another pre-season with the length of time that they’ve been off.
“I’m pretty sure after that defeat against Brentford that the players will be itching to put things right and get back to winning ways.
“Having a break like this will let the squad recharge and bring some players back who might have been suffering from niggles.”
In other news, Football Insider updates with Leeds United set to open Jack Harrison talks.