Pundit makes ‘huge’ Leeds claim as ‘question marks raised’ over Bielsa
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa should assess the training workload and lower the intensity during the festive period, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted “everything” needs looking at during the busy schedule.
This site revealed yesterday (17 December) that only eight Leeds United first-teamers were able to participate in training on Thursday as the club’s injury crisis escalates.
Members of the under-23 side have had to be promoted to bulk up the numbers and provide preparation 48 hours before the Whites take on Arsenal tonight.
Phillips suggested “question marks” must be raised if any more Leeds United players suffer injury problems.
“You need to look at everything at this time of year. There are lots of games and the pitches are heavy,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“We know the intensity that Leeds train with is very high – the same during games.
“These injuries will just be a culmination of all of those factors, especially with Phillips and Bamford. Don’t forget that Phillips played so much football during the summer.
“Certainly, at this time of year, I think it’s hugely important to ease off during training – keep the intensity but not for that extended period – maybe an hour, as opposed to two or three hours.
“Everyone will be fully fit and raring to go regardless. You’d have to raise question marks about what is going on at the training ground if any more players have to go on that treatment table.”
Leeds United suffered a 7-0 humiliation away at Man City on Tuesday.
The Yorkshire side sit five points clear of the relegation zone after 17 Premier League games.
In other news, Football Insider injury expert reveals when Patrick Bamford will be back for Leeds United.