Leeds United: Garry Monk casts eye over squad as Whites return for pre-season training
NEW Leeds United head coach Garry Monk cast his eye over his players for the first time today as the club's pre-season got underway at Thorp Arch.
United’s senior squad, who underwent a series of medical tests over the weekend, kicked off their preparation for the new Championship term with fitness work at their training ground near Wetherby.
Most of Monk’s players were present for the initial session but winger Stuart Dallas will make a late return after featuring for Northern Ireland at Euro 2016 and midfielder Tommaso Bianchi is in Italy ahead of an anticipated move to Serie B club Ascoli.
Monk, who became Leeds’ seventh head coach in two years when he replaced Steve Evans on June 2, told United’s official website: “They all seem in good condition. They’ve come back with a good attitude and we’ve got to work straight away.
“Preparation is key - making sure pre-season is organised and everyone knows where they’re at and what they’re doing. Every day counts.
“Of course a big element of it today was the physical side, in terms of the fitness levels of the players. But there’s also the need football-wise to work tactically and get up to speed with our ideas.
“It’s not about overloading them but we want to make it very clear that this is how we want to approach the season.”
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