Leo Hjelde has told Leeds Live that there has been “too much running” already in Leeds United training under new manager Daniel Farke, having returned to the club on Monday following the Under-21 European Championships.
Hjelde, 19, started on the left of a back four for Leeds on Wednesday in his home nation, as Leeds suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. Hjelde featured for the first 45 minutes, and was one of 10 players to be substituted.
The Norwegian is well within a shout of starting the season as the club’s first-choice left-back. It comes with Junior Firpo’s future likely to be away from Elland Road – with Marseille, Real Betis and Galatasaray all linked with a move.
Behind Firpo, there are little options. Hjelde is the next best left-back option after starring for Rotherham on loan during the second half of last season. Ryan Manning has joined Southampton, while Charlie Taylor has been linked.
So, Hjelde could be our first-choice left-back going into the opener against Cardiff on August 6 at Elland Road. He was asked after the loss to Manchester United, what training has been like under Farke – and he has a complaint.
“Very tough, I can say that. But it’s been very good. He likes to play possession-based. He knows what he’s doing. It’s just been a week, just trying to implement it. We’ve done too much running for my liking, but that’s how it is.”
Leo Hjelde: Too much running in training under Leeds boss Daniel Farke
Obviously, his response was tongue in cheek and he will be well aware that the fitness of the Leeds squad requires improvement. Luke Ayling alluded to that during the run in last season, after the 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.
Hjelde will be one of the young players coming into the side, alongside the likes of Darko Gyabi, Archie Gray, Mateo Joseph, Joe Gelhardt, Charlie Cresswell, Sam Greenwood and Mateo Joseph. Intriguing to see if he starts for us.
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