Tyler Roberts has stressed there’s so much on the line for Leeds United this season that they can’t afford to let standards slip, despite football coming to a halt over the course of the last two months.
Leeds sit top of the Championship table and following early March’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town, they were just nine games away from sealing a long-awaited Premier League return.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been stopped in their tracks, however, with a ball not kicked in the Championship since early March and a resume date yet to be confirmed.
Yet, Bielsa’s side have been looking to maintain their elite fitness levels despite the loss of football, with Roberts’ insight a particularly encouraging one.
The Welsh international detailed how so much was on the line for Leeds that standards couldn’t slip one bit.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I don’t think it’s so much about having to keep yourself mentally motivated, we were working towards something we’ve been trying to get for so long.
“There’s a lot on the line for us so, if we started slacking off or not doing the full fitness sessions, we’ll not be as fit when we come back and it could stop us getting promoted.
“I think all the boys have been doing every rep, every set the best they can for when we do come back.
“We can’t look at when it’s coming back or if it’s going to end, we’re going to be back at some point so we need to be as fit as we can.”
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The table as things stand sees Leeds at the summit, with West Brom sitting just a point behind Bielsa’s men.
Slightly further back are Fulham, who are six points adrift of the Baggies and seven behind Leeds.
However, in the nine remaining games – if they are played – Scott Parker’s side have to play both Leeds and West Brom.
The Verdict
Leeds are a really motivated group, with Roberts’ insight only underlining that fact.
Bielsa will want to see his players keep up to their fitness levels, so when things start up again, they can hit the ground running.
Given Bielsa’s meticulous nature and how motivated the squad appear, expect that to be the case.
Thoughts? Let us know!
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