Leeds United winger Jack Harrison has opened up on how he feels about returning to training this week, as well as expressing his readiness to face current Premier League champions Manchester City when they travel to Elland Road on 28 December in what he describes as a “huge” fixture.
The first team squad are currently in Spain on a week-long training camp ahead of the return of Premier League action towards the end of December.
Alongside general training, the Whites are also due to play three friendlies before their first league match after the break as they take on Spanish sides Elche and Real Sociedad as well as French outfit AS Monaco.
In an interview released by the club today [6 December], Harrison provided his opinion on returning to training and the prospect of facing his old club in Manchester City.
“I think first off we’re just making sure that physically, fitness wise, we’re as prepared as we can be, then working on the tactical parts as we get closer to the games,” he said.
“The club has done a good job in organising a lot of games leading up to our first game back and we have a lot of chances and opportunities to build on some things, to improve in some areas that we need to.
“We really want to come out flying and especially against Man City, that is going to be huge for us. I think sticking to the principles and the tactical game plan that’s devised is going to be important as well.”
Harrison also explained his recovery process after being absent from the Whites’ match-day squad against Tottenham Hotspur in their last game before the World Cup break due to injury.
“I was struggling with a couple of injuries before I left [for the break during the World Cup],” Harrison stated.
“So, usually I would have liked to be training but for me it was more about taking the downtime, relaxing, just to let my body recover a little bit and then pushing a little bit coming back.
“I’m back and ready, I’m in a good place mentally and physically so just trying to build that up, getting ready for the Man City game.”
Encouraging signs
The general sense of togetherness which seems to be present in the squad, as well as the player’s readiness to take on Manchester City in what promises to be an incredibly tough fixture for the Whites, is great to see.
Currently sitting at 15th place in the Premier League, a positive result of any kind against the league champions would be a fantastic way to restart Leeds’ season as they aim to secure top-flight survival after a lengthy break in domestic action.
If the performances against Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool this season are anything to go by, this Leeds side are not one to shrink away from the pressure of facing tough opposition, and this appears to be reflected in the attitude of the players themselves.
The match on 28 December has the potential to bring with it a considerable upset, and for Leeds supporters everywhere this date cannot come soon enough.
