Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United players are being put through their paces during double training sessions, as the Whites prepare for their must-win tie with Middlesbrough this weekend.

Seven defeats from their last nine outings has placed manager Thomas Christiansen’s position at the club under intense scrutiny, and defeat to the Teessiders could be the final nail in the coffin for the Danish manager.

The visit of Boro on Sunday afternoon carries additional weight to fans of the club, with former boss Garry Monk set to make his first return to the club following his departure to the north east in the summer.

Leeds have had several players head off for international duty, including Stuart Dallas and Pontus Jansson, who endured contrasting fortunes in their pursuit of World Cup glory.

Dallas’ Northern Ireland suffered a narrow defeat to Switzerland, whereas Jansson tasted glory with his Swedish side, who condemned Italy to missing their first global tournament since 1958, and only the second in their history after they declined to take part in the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930.

Christiansen has had those left at the club working hard in their preparation for Leeds, with a win harbouring the ability to turn the Whites’ fortunes around this season.

The Verdict

Christiansen is desperate for a win, and double training sessions are certainly justified as he attempts to install new belief and vigour into a side who have showed little fight in recent months.

The club are on a downward spiral, but one win could change all that, and victory over former boss Monk’s Boro side would be a huge boost to all associated with the club.

Players are returning from injury, and Christiansen almost has a full-strength side to chose from, so will be confident of springing a surprise on the visitors this weekend.

The club must take all three points, otherwise Christiansen’s position at the club could become untenable very quickly.

Leeds fans, should Christiansen walk if you lose at home to Boro this weekend? Have your say below..