Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has insisted that no team in the Championship can rival his side’s fitness levels this season.

Cooper told the Yorkshire Evening Post he feels his side are above and beyond their league rivals regarding their preparation for the season to be able to run and battle for 90 minutes.

Leeds are currently atop the summit of the second tier heading into the international break.

Since the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites have played an open, attacking brand of football at a high tempo.

And that has only been achieved through a base level of fitness in pre-season that Bielsa has upgraded to give his players the best chance of keeping up their ferocious intensity. 

Leeds face Millwall in their next fixture after the international break looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The United captain told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “One thing we know this season is that we are fitter than any team in the league and it’s a great feeling to have. 

“It’s unbelievable knowing that you are going to run over teams in the second half and if the going gets tough and it’s the last dying stages.” 

The Verdict 

It is hard to argue with Liam Cooper with his statement regarding the player’s fitness levels at the club.

The way Marcelo Bielsa wants to play, you need to be fit and able to last the 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.

It is even more important when the games come thick and fast every four days, so it is even more impressive considering the rate of games the last month and where Leeds find themselves so far this season.

If there is a team fitter in the division, then they should do well to get about Leeds and outrun them on the pitch.

Bielsa’s boys have set a precedent for the season and Cooper has highlighted that, so they much ensure they do not fall short of the high standards set.